Synthesis and Characterization of Photocatalytic Activity of Hematite/ Cobalt Oxide/ Graphite Nanocomposites

In this study, at first step nanopowder particles of  α-Fe2O3 (Hematite) and  Co3O4 were synthesized separately thorough simple chemical method from an aqueous solution of iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate (Fe(NO3)3.9H2O) and cobalt (II) hexahydrate (Co(NO3)2.6H2O) as  precursors.  After that, three composites nanopowders Fe2O3 with 8, 16 24 wt.% prepared. Graphite was added to one composition samples in weight percentages 1.17 2.35. The morphology the investigated by XRD FE-SEM, respectively. FE-SEM analysis showed that powders all spherical nanoscale. photocatalytic activity examined measuring photo-degradation methylene blue under simulated solar light. To determine photo catalytic activity, degradation (MB) absence light (dark test) taken as well. Results addition decrease photo-catalytic process while nano-graphite enhanced upward ~2 % respect composite without graphite nanoparticles. Stoichiometric calculations amount hydrogen produced water Fe2O3-16% Co3O4- 2.35% nanoparticles 27 μmol H2/h.g irradiation.