Abstract
In this study, novel Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) photocatalytic composites were synthesised by combining traditional oxidation roasting with the sol-gel method, using low-cost metallurgical waste (iron scales) as the raw material. The characterisation results revealed that the oxidised iron scales could be transformed into high-purity and porous Fe(2)O(3) particles through oxidation roasting, thereby providing additional sites for the adsorption process and thus serving as an effective carrier for TiO(2)-based photocatalytic materials. During the sol-gel process, TiO(2) was loaded onto the synthesised Fe(2)O(3) particles, generating core-shell heterostructure Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) photocatalytic composites. Under visible light irradiation for 90 min, the Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) photocatalytic composites achieved a remarkable methylene blue removal rate (97.71%). This reaction process followed the quasi-first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 0.038 min(-1). The results have demonstrated that this combination of various components in the Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) photocatalytic composites improved the adsorption, light utilisation, and charge separation effect of the photocatalysts. Moreover, the material exhibited favourable stability and recyclability, making it a decent candidate for the treatment of wastewater from the biochemical industry. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO(2) and expanding the high value-added utilisation of iron scales.