Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic performance of nano α-Fe۲O۳ supported on metal organic framework of Cd(II) for decomposition of Cefalexin aqueous solutions

In this study, a new and effective catalyst was prepared by supporting the α-Fe۲O۳ nanoparticles on a metal-organic framework (MOF). The synthesis of nano α-Fe۲O۳ photocatalyst was performed according to the reflux condensation method. The MOF was synthesized using cadmium nitrate and terephthalic acid. The nano α-Fe۲O۳ stabilized on the MOF by the solid-state distribution method. The α-Fe۲O۳/MOF was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, N۲ adsorption-desorption, and TGA techniques. The α-Fe۲O۳/MOF was used as a catalyst to the UV/H۲O۲ photocatalytic decomposition of Cefalexin (CFX) in the aqueous solutions. This process was optimized and modelled using the full factorial experimental design. Initial concentrations of CFX, pH, α- Fe۲O۳/MOF amounts, and initial concentration of H۲O۲ were the variables for determining the optimal conditions and mathematical model. The highest decomposition percentage of CFX was ۹۵.۸۴%. The kinetics of this reaction was obtained pseudo-first-order at a constant rate of ۰.۰۷۶۹ min-۱.

Keywords:

α-Fe۲O۳ , Cefalexin , Metal-organic framework , Photocatalyst , Solid-state distribution