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

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Fe₂O₃
• phenol removal
• wastewater treatment
• photocatalysis
• oxidation
• reaction kinetics
• laser applications
• organic pollutants
• TiO₂
• clean water supplies

Acknowledgments

The support by the Physics and Chemistry Departments of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is gratefully acknowledged. This work is a part of the Research Project SABIC-07004 funded by SABIC under the Dean of scientific research of KFUPM.