preparation, characterization and photocatalytic performance of nano α-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 α-fe2o3 nanoparticles on a metalorganic framework (mof). the synthesis of nano α-fe2o3 photocatalyst was performed according to the reflux condensation method. the mof was synthesized using cadmium nitrate and terephthalic acid. the nano α-fe2o3 stabilized on the mof by the solid-state distribution method. the α-fe2o3/mof was characterized by ftir, xrd, sem, edx, tem, n2 adsorption-desorption, and tga techniques. the α-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, α- 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.