NaFeSi2O6 nanocrystals as a catalyst for heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of organic wastewater

In this work, a novel, earth-abundant, and environmentally benign NaFeSi2O6 catalyst is synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method without the introduction of any surfactants. NaFeSi2O6 is for the first time applied to the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction for the degradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation with long-term stability and a wide working pH range. OH plays the most important role in the photo-Fenton process. Besides, O-2(-) and h(+) are also generated and involved in this reaction simultaneously. Combining the experimental results and theoretical calculations, it can be confirmed that NaFeSi2O6 can be regarded as a promising catalyst to improve the efficiency of the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction.