FeNi3@SiO2 magnetic nanocomposite as a highly efficient Fenton-like catalyst for humic acid adsorption and degradation in neutral environments

In this research, the ability of Fenton-like catalytic process in the presence of H 2 O 2 for degradation of humic acid in simulated water was studied. In this regard, FeNi 3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation method, using SiO 2 . The properties of the prepared FeNi 3 @SiO 2 were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The studied parameters were pH (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11), contact time (5–180 min), nanocomposite dose (0.005–0.1 g/L), concentration of humic acid (2–15 mg/L) and concentration of H 2 O 2 (50–200 mg/L). The highest removal percentage of humic acid was 100% at pH = 7, with humic acid concentration of 10 PPM, FeNi 3 @SiO 2 dosage of 0.1 g/L and H 2 O 2 dosage of 200 mg/L. According to the results, the Fenton-like catalytic process of FeNi 3 @SiO 2 /H 2 O 2 had high efficiency in removing humic acid from aquatic environment.