FeVO4 Nanoparticles: Powering synergistic hetero-Fenton photodegradation of Methyl Violet and enabling green chemical synthesis

Abstract

The various environmental problems have led to a shift in the way consumers go about their lives. Methyl violet (MV) being disposed of as a waste into water resources even in small quantities, creates certain hazards and environmental problems. FeVO₄ nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by the reaction of Ferric nitrate and ammonium vanadate at 75°C for 1h. Then it was calcined at 500°C for 4h. Characterization of FeVO₄ nanoparticles was investigated by FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS and colour mapping, and UV- DRS. The surface morphological study from SEM depicted rod-shaped particles with the formation of clusters. The photocatalytic activity of FeVO₄ was studied by a heterogeneous Fenton-like process which is able to decompose the Methyl Violet effectively under UV-A light in the presence of a desired quantity of H₂O₂. The catalyst was reused for multiple runs hence it can be used for economic industrial pilot studies and also the acidic nature of nano iron vanadate’s catalytic activity for the synthesis of enone and sulphonamides.