Heterogeneous photocatalytic discoloration/degradation of rhodamine B with H2O2 and spinel copper ferrite magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract

The discoloration/degradation of the artificial dye Rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated using advanced oxidation technologies. Aqueous solutions of RhB containing spinel copper ferrites (CuFe2O4) as a heterogeneous catalyst were exposed to UV irradiation/hydrogen peroxide. Under these experimental conditions the discoloration/degradation of RhB is strongly promoted by copper ferrites, reaching 95% discoloration of the dye in 10min and 97% degradation in 200min. The influence of the catalyst amount, H2O2 concentration, light source, and UV light intensity were studied. Optimum concentrations of H2O2 and catalyst dosage were found for the RhB degradation reaction. The catalyst had high magnetic sensitivity under an external magnetic field, which allowed its magnetic separation from water avoiding secondary pollution processes, and its recycling. A markedly synergetic effect of spinel copper ferrite and UV light irradiation was observed for the RhB discoloration/degradation with H2O2 as a green oxidant.