Efficient removal of phenol from water using Fe2O3 semiconductor catalyst under UV laser irradiation

Efficient removal of phenol was carried out using laser induced photocatalyis process in the presence of Fe2O3 semiconductor catalysts, and under UV laser irradiation. Parametric dependence of the removal process was investigated carefully by variation of laser irradiation time, laser energy, and concentration of the catalysts. pH measurements were also carried out to understand the photocatalytic process for removal of phenol. Maximum phenol removal achieved in this process was more than 90% during 1 hour of laser irradiation. This is considered highly efficient as compared to conventional setups using lamps. Reaction kinetics for the removal of phenol was also studied, and a reaction rate of 0.017 min- 1 was estimated, following first order kinetics.