Fast and Efficient Dye Elimination Over One-Pot Synthesized and Si-Rich [Fe]-ZSM-5 Catalyst in Electro-Fenton Process

Synthetic organic dyes contaminate the aquatic environment. A fast and efficient preparation of catalysts plays a vital role in wastewater treatment to reduce costs and increase its market. In this study, we prepared different Si-rich ZSM-5 catalysts (Si/Al = 200) through the one-pot synthesis and impregnation technique that include Fe species. The catalysts were applied in heterogeneous electro-Fenton (HEF) to remove methylene blue (MB), an organic dye which is a model compound for water contaminants. The parent and modified catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, NH3-TPD, and N-2 adsorption-desorption methods. The results showed the well crystalline framework (89%), high surface area (359 m(2) g(-1)), mesopore structure (0.05 cm(3) g(-1)), and uniform distribution of the Fe species. The optimum operating conditions for the [Fe]-ZSM-5 catalyst were pH = 4, applied current of 100 mA, and catalyst concentration of 0.1 g L-1, which resulted in the highest MB removal (98%) in 15 min through the HEF process. The results confirm the applicability of the one-pot synthesis of the [Fe]-ZSM-5 catalyst.

Automated summary

In this study, different Si-rich ZSM-5 catalysts with Fe species were prepared through one-pot synthesis and impregnation technique, and applied in heterogeneous electro-Fenton (HEF) for the removal of methylene blue (MB). The results showed that the catalysts possessed well crystalline framework, high surface area, mesopore structure, and uniform distribution of Fe species. The optimal operating conditions for the [Fe]-ZSM-5 catalyst were pH = 4, applied current of 100 mA, and catalyst concentration of 0.1 g L-1, resulting in the highest MB removal (98%) in 15 min through the HEF process.