Abstract

ZnO/r-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite was synthesized via simple precipitation. The synthesized nanocatalysts underwent heat treatment at 450 ^oC for an hour. The characteristics of the nanocomposite were investigated by XRD, TEM, and BET surface area measurement. Zeta potential analysis was used to examine the surface charge properties of the nanocatalysts. The synthesized nanocomposite has an average particle size of 11 nm and a surface area of 20 m² g^-1. The potential of ZnO/r-Fe₂O₃ as a photocatalyst was evaluated by photodegrading chlorophenoxyacetic acids (PAA, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and 4CA). The decomposition of chlorophenoxyacetic acids by ZnO/r-Fe₂O₃ followed 4CA > 2,4,5-T = 2,4-D > PAA. The result indicates the applicability of ZnO/r-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite as a photocatalyst in removing organic pollutants in wastewater.

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