Efficient degradation of dye pollutants using dioxygen mediated by iron(Ⅱ) 2,2'-bipyridine load

The organic-inorganic layered solid catalyst Fe(bpy)32+-laponite was able to photodegrade Rhodamine B (RhB) by activation of dioxygen under visible irradiation (λ＞420 nm), while the homogeneous aqueous solution Fe(bpy)32+ showed no photoactivity. The catalyst could be repeatedly used and retained its reactivity. The hybrid catalyst could be separated from the suspension by centrifugation or sedimentation. The TOC removal yield of RhB was measured. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed during degradation was detected by EPR. A possible mechanism was proposed on the basis of the experimental results.