Iron (Fe3+) loaded TiO2 nanocatalysts: characterization and photoreactivity

Iron (Fe3+) loaded TiO2 nanocatalysts were prepared by the photochemical reduction process. These supported nanocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area (BET) measurements, scanning electron microscopy SEM with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX-elemental mapping) analysis and atomic force microscopy (AFM) with adhesion force measurements. XRD and BET results showed adsorption of iron species on the surface of the TiO2 support. AFM and SEM images revealed obvious variations in the surface morphology of the support after loaded with Fe3+ ions. Photocatalytic activities of the supported nanocatalysts were examined for decolorization and degradation processes of Congo red (CR) under UV irradiation. Fe3+ ions improved the performances of the supported nanocatalysts by suppressing the electron-hole recombination reactions. Effects of Fe3+ ion content and initial CR concentration were investigated. A tentative model was proposed for the photocatalytic degradation of CR.