Photo-Fenton Oxidative System for Removing Tartrazine Yellow Dye in Aqueous Medium Using Y-fe Zeolite As Catalyst

Abstract

The synthesis and application of heterogeneous solid catalysts in Fenton-type processes have been shown to be a promising alternative for the removal of hazardous pollutants. In this context, the aim of this study was to prepare and characterize a heterogeneous solid iron catalyst supported on zeolite Y for the degradation of yellow food coloring tartrazine (TY). The catalyst was produced through humid ion exchange and characterized by the physisorption of N2, XRD, SEM, TEM and EDX. The efficiency of the catalyst was evaluated through the degradation of tartrazine yellow dye in a batch regime, and the influence of some of the main operational parameters was also evaluated. The characterizations confirmed the presence of iron on the surface of zeolite Y and the increase in the specific area and pore volume after ion exchange. The catalyst used in the photo-Fenton system was extremely efficient, with a removal of approximately 98% in 120 min in the experimental conditions: [TY]0 = 10 mg/L, [H2O2]0 =200 g/L, Y-Fe dosage=1.5 g/L and pH= 3.0. It was possible to recover the catalyst and use it in five reuse cycles, showing its stability and potential application of this catalyst in heterogeneous photo-Fenton systems.