Degradation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) in aqueous solution by UV/Si-FeOOH/H2O2

This paper considers the degradation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), a highly toxic endocrine disrupter. by a novel Fenton reaction involving a new catalyst Si-FeOOH with H2O2 under UV365 irradiation. Si was selected for its non-toxic and less secondary pollution and the new catalyst Si-FeOOH was synthesized by adding Si to the amorphous FeOOH. The experiment showed that the physical strength of new catalyst Si-FeOOH was enhanced when Si/Fe was 0.2 and the opportunity of dissolved iron was also reduced. The efficiency of DMP degradation by UV/Si-FeOOH/H2O2 could reach 97% after 30 min reaction time at pH 5, 0.5 g/L dosage of Si-FeOOH, and 2.0 mmol/L of H2O2 under 125W UV365 irradiation. DMP could be degraded effectively by synergistic effect of UV, Si-FeOOH and H2O2 due to the catalytic absorption and free radicals reaction of FeOOH under the UV irradiation. The Si-FeOOH photocatalyst can be very easily recycled and the efficiency of DMP photodegradation can also remain 87.1% after six runs of DMP degradation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.