Abstract:
n this study synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic application of alumina-iron
mixed oxide nanoparticles has been made. Four series of alumina- iron mixed oxide
catalysts (Fe203, Al203 -Fe203 -400, AIJ03 -Fe203 -600, Al2 OrFe203 -800 and Al203 -
Fe203 -1000 °C) with different alumina fraction were prepared. The Fe203 nanoparticles
and mixed Fe203/Al203 nanocomposites were prepared by aqueous combustion synthesis
method using Fe(N03)J.9H20, Al(N03)J.9H20 as precursors and N2H4
CO as fuel. The
as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, XRF, FT-IR, and UV-Vis DRS
techniques. From X RD analysis, i t was clearly observed that the as-synthesized samples
have a-Fe203 predominantly and a-Al203 phases as well. The XRF elemental analysis
indicated the presence of Al, Fe & 0 elements in the alumina/iron oxide mixed composite
samples. FT I R results showed I R peaks attributable to Fe-0 and Al-0 vibrations which
co nfi rm the presence o f both Fe203 and Al203 i n the as-synthesized samples. The UV-Vis
spectra study assured that the band g ap decreased with increasing annealing
temperature and content of alumina and hence the absorption band shifts toward the
longer wavelength region ( red shift). Th e e ff ect o f annealing temperature and alumina on
the rate o f photodegradation of C R was also investigated. The experimental results
showed that CR degradation depends on the annealing temperature and alumina content.
In all cases, .he photocatalytic activity gradually increased with increasing alumina
content as well as annealing temperature.
Key Words: Iron ( III) Oxide Nanoparticles, Alumina, Annealing Temperature, XRD
Characterization, Photocatalysis, Degradation of Congo red.
