UTILISATION OF Al2O3.Fe2O3 NANO-PHOTOCATALYST FOR DYE DEGRADATION: PROCESS OF OPTIMISATION.

The researchers are extensively working on wastewater treatment in order to explore efficient and economic methods for water reuse. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to utilise Al2O3.Fe2O3 nano-photocatalyst for the degradation of Reactive Black 5 dye. The nano photocatalyst was synthesised by mechanical stirring co-precipitation technique and characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and BET surface area analysis. Important process parameters, e.g. pH, catalyst dose, initial dye concentration and reaction time were optimised for the photocatalytic activity of Al2O3.Fe2O3. The results indicated that maximum dye degradation was achieved at pH 3, catalyst dose 60 mg/100 ml, initial dye concentration 50 mg/l. Effect of reaction time was also investigated and maximum dye degradation was achieved at 120 min of reaction time. The results indicated that Al2O3.Fe2O3 can be used for the treatment of textile industrial effluents and can minimise the environmental pollution significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]