Heterogeneous fenton-like catalytic removal of methylene blue dye in water using magnetic nanocomposite (MCM-41/Magnetite)

Abstract

In this work, MCM-41, magnetite (MAG), and a composite of magnetite and MCM-41 (MCM-MAG) were synthesized by a simple route for the production of active systems in the decomposition of organic waste. The materials were characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results indicated that the decolorization kinetics of the dyes were in the order of MCM-MAG > MCM-41 > magnetite. Mineralization of the dyes was monitored by total organic carbon (TOC) decrease. The dye solutions could be completely decolorized and effectively mineralized, with an average overall TOC removal 43% for a Fenton-like reaction time of 180 min. The degradation activity of the MCM-MAG was stable during four consecutive experiments, confirming their stability and reusability of the composite. The great advantage of this composite is that it may be easily magnetically recovered and reused.