Development of visible-light-active Fe2O3-hBN photocatalysts for sustainable degradation of emerging pollutants under simulated sunlight conditions

Bouziani M., BOUZIANI A., Hsini A., Bianchi C. L., Falletta E., Cerrato G., ...Daha Fazla

Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, cilt.21, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 21
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2026.101064
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Environmental remediation, Fe2O3-hBN composites, Ibuprofen, Methylene blue, Photocatalysis, Sunlight irradiation, Water treatment
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this work, Fe2O3-hBN composites with different Fe2O3 loadings (0.2–2 wt%) were synthesized via a dry impregnation approach and evaluated as sustainable photocatalysts for water purification. The materials were comprehensively characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, UV–Vis, PL, and N2 adsorption-desorption analyses to elucidate their structural, optical, and surface properties. Under simulated solar irradiation, the 0.5 wt% Fe2O3-hBN composite showed the most efficient photocatalytic activity among the tested materials. Approximately 80% removal of methylene blue and more than 70% degradation of ibuprofen were achieved within 120 min, highlighting the superior performance of this composition. This improvement was attributed to enhanced visible-light absorption and a reduced band gap (2.7 eV). Radical scavenging experiments identified photogenerated holes (h*) and superoxide radicals (O3*-) as the main reactive species. The composite exhibited excellent stability and reusability across multiple cycles. These findings highlight Fe2O3-hBN as an efficient and eco-friendly photocatalyst for sustainable water remediation applications.