Assessment of the Effect of Zn Co-Doping on Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub> Supports in the Preparation of Catalysts by Wet Impregnation for Photodegradation Reactions of Food Coloring Effluents

Assessment of the Effect of Zn Co-Doping on Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub> Supports in the Preparation of Catalysts by Wet Impregnation for Photodegradation Reactions of Food Coloring Effluents

This study explores the photocatalytic efficiency of Zn/Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub> catalysts, synthesized via the wet impregnation method, for degrading the food colorings Allura Red and Tartrazine Yellow. A 2<sup>2</sup> factorial design with a central point replication guided the c...

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Main Authors: Luiz Eduardo Nochi Castro, Larissa Resende Matheus, Giane Gonçalves Lenzi, Mabel Karina Arantes, Lariana Negrão Beraldo Almeida, Rodrigo Brackmann, Leda Maria Saragiotto Colpini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Colorants
Subjects:
food dyes
photocatalysis
food industry effluents
Zn/Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub>
advanced oxidative processes
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6447/4/2/17
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Summary:This study explores the photocatalytic efficiency of Zn/Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub> catalysts, synthesized via the wet impregnation method, for degrading the food colorings Allura Red and Tartrazine Yellow. A 2<sup>2</sup> factorial design with a central point replication guided the catalyst synthesis. Characterization involved BET surface area analysis, SEM-EDX, XRD, and PZC determination. Photocatalytic tests were conducted in batch mode under natural sunlight with 10 mg L<sup>−1</sup> food coloring solutions. Kinetic modeling and statistical analysis were performed, and catalyst reuse was evaluated under artificial light. Results showed that low calcination temperatures (200–273 °C) and Zn loadings of 2–10% led to nearly 99% discoloration and degradation efficiency. The Behnajady–Modirshahla–Ghanbery kinetic model best described the discoloration data, confirming the significant impact of both variables. The optimal catalyst for Allura Red degradation was 2%Zn/2%Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub> calcined at 200 °C, while for Tartrazine Yellow, 6%Zn/2%Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub> calcined at 300 °C was most effective. Both catalysts exhibited excellent stability, maintaining efficiency over four reuse cycles. These findings demonstrate the potential of Zn/Fe/TiO<sub>2</sub> catalysts for sustainable wastewater treatment.
ISSN:2079-6447

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