Rectorite-supported nano-Fe3O4 composite materials as catalyst for P-chlorophenol degradation: Preparation, characterization, and mechanism

Abstract Clay minerals, as abundant natural resources, are among the most suitable supporting materials for nano metal. In this manuscript, new Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle/rectorite (Fe 3 O 4 /rectorite) catalysts are developed via in-situ precipitation oxidation reaction. Various physicochemical characterizations of Fe 3 O 4 /rectorite show that Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (nano-Fe 3 O 4 ) with an average particle diameter of approximately 10–20 nm are effectively loaded on the surface of acid leached rectorite (Al-rectorite) and have low coaggregation and improved dispersion. Moreover, the catalytic activity of Fe 3 O 4 /rectorite on degradation of P-chlorophenol by heterogeneous Fenton method is studied. Results of degradation experiments show that Fe 3 O 4 /rectorite has higher degradation efficiency of P-chlorophenol than bare nano-Fe 3 O 4 . Regeneration studies also show that Fe 3 O 4 /rectorite maintains 100% of its maximum P-chlorophenol degradation capacity after seven consecutive cycles. Fe 3 O 4 /rectorite can be easily separated by magnetic separation, and thus has good stability and reusability. The degradation mechanism of Fe 3 O 4 /rectorite is adsorption coupled with a Fenton-like reaction, which accounts for P-chlorophenol degradation of up to 625 mg/g. This work demonstrates a new composite material for the effective remediation of refractory organic compounds from wastewater.