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FeCoNiAlSi and FeCoNiAlBSi high entropy alloys (HEAs) were synthesized by mechanical alloying. Phase evolution, crystallite size, lattice strain, microstructure and morphology for the two alloys were investigated. It was found that two simple structures which are face-centred cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC/B2) solid solution appear in FeCoNiAlSi HEA after 50 h of milling. Formation of Fe2B peak was observed in the XRD pattern when a small amount of boron was added to the base alloys. The particle size of the alloy was increased after 20 h of milling time. The structural analysis shows that the average crystallite size decreases while lattice grain size increases with the increasing milling time. The morphology structure of the milled powders shows the particles size becomes rounded, flat and rough as the milling time prolongs. The newly developed HEA synthesized by mechanical alloying is expected to provide prominent efficiency in degradation of azo dyes (Methyl Orange). Although the HEAs have been reported to provide larger surface area and excellent capacity, only a few studies have been reported on degradation of azo dye by using HEAs as catalyst. Therefore, the method derived from the results of this study will contribute in treating azo dyes for wastewater treatment. Keywords: azo dye; high entropy alloys; mechanical alloying; crystal structure; morphology

Azo dye is widely used in the textile industry since it is cost effective and simple to use. However, it becomes a continuous source of environmental pollution due to its carcinogenicity and toxicity. Various methods had been used to remove the azo dye in solution. One of the famous and repeatedly used is Fenton process. The Fenton’s process is one of the advanced oxidation process where iron catalysed hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radical. Treating azo dyes in solution requires a catalyst to enhance the process of degradation. Herein, high entropy alloy (HEA) has been proposed as a catalytic material to enhance the performance of Fenton process for azo dye degradation. HEA has been reported as a promising catalyst due to its high surface area. The higher the number of active sites, the higher the rate of azo dye degradation as more active sites are available for adsorption of azo dyes. The results have shown that HEA can be used as a catalyst to fasten the Fenton’s reaction since the degradation time is proven to be shorter in the presence of HEA. The method derived from the result of this study will contribute in treating azo dyes for wastewater management in Fenton process.