Characterization and Catalytic Behaviour of Nanostructured Iron Oxide Powder from Waste Pickle Liquor of Steel Industry

Nanostructured iron oxide powder that has been recovered from waste pickling liquor unit of steel industry was studied for oxidation catalytic applications. In this research, the powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transition electron microscopy (TEM) for determination of phase structure, morphology and particle size. Furthermore, the specific surface area of the powder was achieved by BET method. Results show that the powder consists of α-Fe۲O۳ particles with wide range distribution particle sizes between ۵۰-۳۰۰ nm. Specific surface area of the powder is about ۴.۳۳m۲g-۱. Moreover, catalytic behaviour of the iron oxide powder was investigated. A quartz tubular furnace was applied as a reactor for measuring catalytic activity. Conversion test results show that CO to CO۲ conversion reaction was initiated at about ۳۰۰°C (light-off temperature) and was completed at about ۶۰۰°C. Also,the CO to CO۲ conversion ratio was almost constant during long-term stability test.

Keywords:

Iron oxide powder , Characterization , Oxidation catalyst , CO removal