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

This study focuses on the synthesis of iron molybdate [Fe-2(MoO4)(3)] nanoparticles (NPs) using simple coprecipitation 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 Fe-2(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.