Photocatalytic Performance Of Fe/Zeolite Bead Catalyst For The Removal Of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone

Abstract

The increasing presence of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in industrial wastewater poses a significant environmental challenge due to its toxicity, chemical stability, and resistance to conventional treatment methods. This research presents the synthesis and application of a novel 3wt% Fe/Zeolite bead catalyst for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of NMP under visible light irradiation. The beads were fabricated by incorporating Fe/Zeolite into a sodium alginate polymer matrix, followed by crosslinking with epichlorohydrin to improve their mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, and structural stability. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized beads was systematically evaluated under varying conditions, including pH levels (3–11), catalyst dosages (20–100 g L⁻¹), and initial NMP concentrations (20–100 mg L⁻¹). Optimal degradation efficiency was achieved at pH 7, with a catalyst dosage of 40 g L⁻¹ and an initial NMP concentration of 20 mg L⁻¹, resulting in a maximum removal rate of 86.41% within 120 minutes of visible light exposure. The 3wt% Fe/Zeolite bead catalyst exhibited excellent reusability, magnetic recoverability, and structural integrity, making it a promising candidate for scalable and sustainable wastewater treatment. This study demonstrates the potential of magnetically recoverable 3wt% Fe/Zeolite beads as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for the remediation of organic pollutants in industrial effluents.