NANO Fe⁰/ACTIVATED CARBON COMPOSITE APPLIED AS A CATALYST FOR THE OXIDATIVE DEGRADATION OF RHODAMINE B DYE

Abstract

This study uses nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and activated carbon to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB). The AC matrix modified and immobilized nZVI, which has strong reactivity, to reduce aggregation and preserve its reactivity. FTIR analysis showed that nZVI incorporation altered surface chemistry and functional groups, while elemental composition analysis showed that both nZVI and AC retained essential characteristics, making the composite suitable for pollutant adsorption and reduction. RhB degradation was tested at various beginning concentrations, catalyst doses, and reaction durations. Kinetic study showed a pseudo-second-order degradation model (R² = 0.988), indicating adsorption and surface contacts were the primary processes, rather than mass transfer. The pseudo-first-order model suited well but had a weaker correlation (R² = 0.942), indicating the prevalence of chemisorption. Over 80% degradation occurred in the first 60 minutes, then slowed to 90.52% after 120 minutes. These results demonstrate nZVI/AC's strong RhB removal effectiveness, indicating its promise as a wastewater treatment material. Optimization of operational parameters and long-term performance in real wastewater situations should be the focus of future research.