Fe2O3-modified activated clay as Heterogeneous Catalyst for Fenton-like oxidation of the removal of methylene blue in wastewater

The Fe2O3-modified activated clay catalysts were prepared by precipitation method and were characterized by SEM, and XRD techniques. The catalysts were used as heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for degradation of simulated methylene blue solution. The effects of initial pH value, H2O2 dosage, and catalyst dosage and reaction temperature on methylene blue removal rate were investigated. The results showed that, under the optimal conditions of initial pH value 3.0, H2O2 dosage 1200 mg/L, catalyst dosage 6.2 g/L and reaction temperature 30 degrees C, 98.3% of decolorization efficiency was achieved within 60 min in a batch process. The results indicated that Fe2O3-modified activated clay was a promising catalyst for the heterogeneous Fenton system.