Ultrasound enhanced photocatalytic properties of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for degradation of dyes used by textile industry

Organic dyes used by textile industry to colour the fabric to enhance their appearance and market value are a big concern for environment and marine ecosystems. Millions of tons of such dyes are discharged into our water resources every year. This study presents a simple, low-cost, and highly efficient photocatalyst based on iron oxide nanoparticles. The photocatalytic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles were systematically investigated by measuring the degradation of Eosin Y and Rhodamine B dyes. This study show that the catalytic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles can be further enhanced by simultaneous exposure to light and ultrasound. We observed an almost 1.5- and 4-folds enhancement in catalytic degradation of Eosin Y and Rhodamine B, respectively under sonophotocatalytic degradation conditions. The degradation of the model dyes was observed to follow first order degradation kinetics. Ultrasound enhanced photocatalytic properties of alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for degradation of dyes used by textile industry. [GRAPHICS] .