Magnetic mesoporous catalytic and adsorption active Fe-Al2O3 films

Abstract Composite self-supporting Al 2 O 3 -Fe films with different component ratios were obtained using sol-gel and selective reduction approaches. A comprehensive study of the composition, microstructure, as well as the textural, optical, catalytic and adsorption characteristics was carried out using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, HRTEM, AFM, N 2 physisorption and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The films have a mesoporous structure with a high specific surface area (up to 239 m 2 /g) and narrow pore size distribution. Iron species in the films predominantly exist in the form of metal (α-Fe) nanoparticles and disordered Fe 3 O 4 . The most suitable sample for catalytic (H 2 O 2 decomposition) and Cr(VI) adsorption applications is the composite F 20 film due to a combination of its high textural characteristics, excellent catalytic, adsorption and magnetic properties. The Al 2 O 3 -Fe films can be easily separated from a liquid medium due to the rapid settling of large fragments or the possibility of magnetic separation.