Synthesis of TiO2–Fe/Fe3O4 photocatalyst using iron rusty waste as Fe source for removal Pb(II) in water media under visible light with good separable property

This research studies on the visible photocatalytic improvement and separable ability of TiO2 by Fe doping and Fe3O4 magnetizing from iron rusty waste. The doping and magnetizing were performed by hydrothermal and precipitation methods, respectively. The Fe doped TiO2 (TiO2–Fe) prepared was magnetized with Fe3O4 having fraction of 33.3 wt%. The research results assign that from the characterization of the prepared photocatalysts by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV–visible (DRUV–Visible), and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), the Fe doped and Fe3O4 precipitated into TiO2 to form TiO2–Fe/Fe3O4 photocatalyst has been successfully synthesized. Furthermore, the doping and magnetizing have considerably enhanced the activity of TiO2–Fe/Fe3O4 photocatalyst under visible light and given good magnetic separable properties. The highest photo-oxidation of Pb(II) 10 mg/L in 100 mL of the solution can be obtained by applying 50 mg weight of TiO2–Fe/Fe3O4 photocatalyst, solution pH of 6 and 60 min of the reaction time, reaching 83% efficiency. The photo-oxidation of Pb(II) is supposed to transform the toxic Pb (II) into a handleable PbO2 with less hazardous properties. Hence, circular environmental management would be expected for this study from utilizing the priceless waste to enhance material properties in the reducing the toxic contaminant.