Visible-light-induced photo-Fenton Degradation of Rhodamine B over Fe2O3-diatomite materials

Abstract Diatomite is mined in Phu Yen province, Vietnam and the Fe2O3-diatomite materials are synthesized by a simple process for the photo-Fenton reaction of rhodamine B (RhB) degradation. The pure diatomite and Fe2O3-diatomite materials have the large pore structures representing the high adsorption ability and efficient photocatalysis. Characterizations of diatomite-Fe2O3 materials were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. The catalytic activitiy of the Fe2O3-diatomite materaisl was evaluated by the degradation of the RhB dye under visible light irradiation in the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results show that the 3% Fe2O3-diatomite sample has the highest RhB photocatalytic degradation efficiency with approximately 81% for 150 min under visible light. This value is 2 times higher than the degradation efficiency of the pure diatomite. In addition, the Fe2O3-diatomite photocatalysts are indicated as potential materials for photo-Fenton degradation of organic contaminants due to their highly stable abilities.