Enhanced photo-Fenton catalytic activity by spherical FeS2 nanoparticles and photoelectric property of hybrid FeS2/rGO.

The catalytic activities of pyrite in the heterogeneous Photo-Fenton processes for oxidation of methylene blue (MB) were systematically investigated. Experimental results revealed that nearly 100% MB (50 mg/L)could be completely degraded after 20 min under the optimum conditions. The excellent oxidation ability could be attributed to the photocatalytic activity of pyrite under visible light illumination, and the Fenton catalytic reaction occurring at the surface of FeS 2 together with dissolved iron ions in the aqueous phase. Most importantly, the FeS 2 nanoparticles assembled on graphene sheets were synthesized via a one-step solvothermal method with higher photocurrent response, reduced charge transferring resistance, and superior cycling stability. The obtained materials were also characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, TG, and ESR for structural, morphological, chemical, and reaction mechanism studies. • Spherical FeS 2 nanoparticles were prepared by the solvothermal method and FeS 2 /graphene obtained by in-situ composite. • The influence factors in heterogeneous FeS 2 photo Fenton system and catalytic reaction mechanism were investigated. • The photoelectrochemical properties of FeS 2 and FeS 2 /graphene were tested and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]