Photodegradation of Dyes Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube and Ferrous Ion

In this paper, photodegradation of dyes [Acid Red 14 (AR14) and Acid Red 18 (AR18)] has been studied using multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), ferrous ion (Fe2+), and hydrogen peroxide. The surface characteristics of MWCNT were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-Visible (UV-Vis) and ion chromatography (IC) analyses were employed to investigate dye degradation. The effects of MWCNT, Fe2+, initial dye concentration, and salt on the photodegradation of dye were investigated. Formate, acetate, and oxalate were detected as aliphatic intermediates. The NO3- and SO42- were detected as dye mineralization products. The results showed that MWCNT/Fe2+ might be a suitable catalyst for dye degradation. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.