Degradation of humic acid using a solar light-photocatalytic process with a FeNi3/SiO2/TiO2 magnetic nanocomposite as the catalyst

The present study evaluates the degradation ability of FeNi 3 /SiO 2 /TiO 2 magnetic nanocomposite as a catalyst for degrading humic acid molecules in a photocatalytic process using simulated solar light-induced by light-emitting diode (LED) illumination. The morphology and structural properties of the used catalyst and the physiochemical factors influencing humic acid degradation (solution pH, catalyst dose, humic acid concentration, and reaction time) were examined in detail. In addition, the kinetics reaction type and mechanism of humic acid degradation were studied. Results showed that the suggested treatment method was efficient during the degradation of humic acid molecules, with non-toxic chemicals generated at the end of degradation, namely carbon dioxide and water. In addition, a degradation efficiency of 89% was achieved under optimal conditions. Compared with other similar methods, this study demonstrated that the interaction between FeNi 3 /SiO 2 /TiO 2 and LED solar light effectively degraded humic acid in an eco-friendly manner. The degradation reaction kinetics can be mathematically represented by a pseudo-first-order formula. The used catalyst can be recycled in the suggested treatment system six times with negligible losses in its degradation capacity. This study is necessary to understand how photocatalytic treatments using FeNi 3 /SiO 2 /TiO 2 magnetic nanocomposite particles can be applied for advanced wastewater purification of humic acid.