Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic performance of nano -Fe₂O₃ supported on metal organic framework of Cd(II) for decomposition of Cefalexin aqueous solutions

In this study, a new and effective catalyst was prepared by supporting the alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on a metal-organic framework (MOF). The synthesis of nano alpha-Fe2O3 photocatalyst was performed according to the reflux condensation method. The MOF was synthesized using cadmium nitrate and terephthalic acid. The nano alpha-Fe2O3 stabilized on the MOF by the solid-state distribution method. The alpha-Fe2O3/MOF was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, N-2 adsorption-desorption, and TGA techniques. The alpha-Fe2O3/MOF was used as a catalyst to the UV/H2O2 photocatalytic decomposition of Cefalexin (CFX) in the aqueous solutions. This process was optimized and modelled using the full factorial experimental design. Initial concentrations of CFX, pH, alpha-Fe2O3/MOF amounts, and initial concentration of H2O2 were the variables for determining the optimal conditions and mathematical model. The highest decomposition percentage of CFX was 95.84%. The kinetics of this reaction was obtained pseudo-first-order at a constant rate of 0.0769 min(-1).