Heterostructured zero valent iron-montmorillonite nanohybrid and their catalytic efficacy

Nanohybrid catalysts that comprised montmorillonite (Mt) matrix and embedded zero-valent Fe nanoparticle are presented. In this process, clay particles are used as 2-dimensional template that induce the growth of intercalated nanomaterials. Fe polycations are first embedded within the interlayer space and then reduced to Fe nanoparticles through thermal annealing in reducing atmosphere. Structural studies using electron microscopy and high energy X-ray show that the intercalated status of the polycations dictates the crystal structure, shape and size of final Fe compound particles. The magnetic property and caltalytic efficacy of hybrid particles have been verified using magnetometer measurement and Fenton reaction. Hybrized α-Fe nanoparticles show high magnetization inherent to zero valent Fe, and high catalytic efficacy in decomposing Rhodamine B due to their zero valency and large surface areas. This simple synthesis process of stable iron nanoparticle without organic agents will be beneficial for large scale production of highly effective catalysts exploiting controlled phase and shape of embedded nanoparticles. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.