Synthesis zirconia (ZrO2) and iron doped zirconia (Fe/ZrO2) photocatalyst for heavy metal removal / Adhwa Izzati Md. Taib and Norain Isa

Zirconia modified with iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate were synthesized by using anodization method as photocatalyst. Irridation of UV light is needed to ZrO2 photocatalyst for photo degradation of pollutant such as chromium (Cr(VI)). Removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is essential because this pollutant classified as carcinogen in group 1 by means it triggers cancer development. UV light is utilized in photocatalytic process because ZrO2 has large band gap which is around 3.37 eV to 5.0 eV. Doping method has been used and considered for improving the photoactivity of ZrO2 and reducing band gap. Doping process was done by using anodization method with different iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate concentration (Fe (NO3)3.9H2O) (0.1 M, 0.5 M and 1 M). The results of morphologies and characterization that carried out by using EDX and FESEM shows that 0.5 M of Fe-doped ZrO2 contain high Fe weight % compared to the other concentration used (0.1 M and 1 M). Comparative studies had been made on the morphologies and characterization between the doped photocatalyst and un-doped photocatalyst from literature survey. Also, comparative studies for this paper includes the application of the modified photocatalyst in the wastewater. From the comparative study, metal-doped photocatalyst nanosize particle such as Ag, Fe, Mo and Cu can enhance the photocatalytic activity. Also, by using Fe doping, band gap of the ZrO2 nanoparticles were reduced from 4.97 eV to to 1.77 eV. Study shows that 95 % Cr(VI) removal was observed on ZrO2 after 5 hours. Degradation performance of Cr(VI) might be increase by using Fe-doped ZrO2 compare to pure ZrO2 as the properties of the Fe-doped ZrO2 can be enhanced in dopant ions.