Hetero-structured Iron Molybdate Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Application.

This study focuses on the synthesis of iron molybdate [Fe2(MoO4)3] nanoparticles (NPs) using simple co-precipitation process. The catalyst synthesized was characterized by advanced instrumental techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDX, TGA and FTIR, which confirmed the successful synthesis of NPs. Organic compound Rhodamine B (Rh. B) dye was selected for photo-degradation due to its complex structure and carcinogenic nature. Results exhibited that at neutral pH, the synthesized catalyst is highly effective for the degradation of Rh. B. For 20 mg/L initial concentration with an initial pH of 6.7, the degradation efficiency of Rh. B reaches 98 % within 180 min. Furthermore, the solution pH (1 to 11) affects the catalytic activity. This indicates that at neutral and/or alkaline pH, the usage of iron molybdate overwhelms the efficiency of Fenton-like reaction. It has been observed that Fe2(MoO4)3 showed excellent stability as after recycling it for 9 times its performance remained effective. Based on these data, the synthesized catalyst could be conveniently employed for degradation of toxic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]