Cost effective catalytic degradation of Methylene blue (MB) using Zero valent iron nanoparticles (ZVFeNPs)

The aim of this work was to effectively degrade hazardous dye methylene blue (MB) using zero valent iron metal nanoparticles (ZVFeNPs) and comparative analysis were made with bulk iron metal ions. Nanotechnology has brought an ease by providing ways to synthesize various nanomaterials. One of the suitable catalyst is zero valent iron metal nanoparticles which are synthesized by chemical reduction method. Advantage of using zero valent iron nanoparticles (ZVFeNPs) is that they are easy to synthesize and are stored as solid. These nanoparticles are cost effective and eco-friendly. Oxidation of Methylene blue (MB) was used as model reaction. MB was degraded in the presence of potassium peroxydisulfate (K2S2O8) as an appropriate oxidizing agent using zero valent iron nanoparticles as catalyst in acidic medium. The reaction was followed using spectrophotometer at 663nm. Reaction kinetics was observed during initial 30 minutes. Statistical error functions were also evaluated to determine the precision of the results and various thermodynamic parameters were also obtained. Zero valent iron nanoparticles (ZVFeNPs) are versatile in their function and used for such type of the degradation with many other dyes. Zero Valent iron nanoparticles are highly stable, work better under acidic medium and performed better than their bulk iron metal ions. In future, these nanoparticles can be beneficial for the elimination of toxic dyes from industrial effluent treatment.