| Summary: | This study has successfully demonstrated the formation of pure and impure bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) photocatalyst produced using alginic acid as a biotemplate. Structural and phase purity of the nanocatalysts were tested, and efficiencies of both pure and impure BiFeO3 nanocatalysts in 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) degradation were conducted via solar-Fenton reaction. Catalytic activities were investigated with respect to the initial concentrations of 4-CP and oxidant, H2 O2, nanocatalyst load-ing and reaction time. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model is best suited to the degradation activity. High purity BiFeO3 nanocatalyst exhibited high photodegradation activity with low dosage as well as high stability, surface area and ability to regenerate compared to impurity Bi2 Fe4 O9. Results showed ~98% degradation of 200 mg L–1 of 4-CP at pH 2.5 with 0.1 mol L–1 of H2 O2 and 2.55 mmol L–1 of nanocatalyst within 180 min and no significant reduction in terms of its reusability. The influence on phase purity and the structural properties of the photocatalyst is significant for providing opportunities in developing an intensive study in an environmentally friendly solar photocatalyst. © 2020 Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.
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