Degradation of Amaranth azo dye in water by heterogeneous photo-Fenton process using FeWO₄ catalyst prepared by microwave irradiation

FeWO₄ particles were synthesized by a simple, rapid and facile microwave technique and their catalytic properties in heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction were evaluated. This material was employed in the degradation of Amaranth azo dye. Individual and interactive effects of operational parameters such as pH, dye concentration and H₂O₂ dosage on the decolorization efficiency of Amaranth dye were evaluated by 2³ central composite design. According to characterization techniques, a porous material and a well-crystallized phase of FeWO₄ oxide were obtained. Regarding the photo-Fenton reaction assays, up to 97% color and 58% organic carbon removal were achieved in the best experimental conditions. In addition, the photo-Fenton process maintained treatment efficiency over five catalyst reuse cycles to indicate the durability of the FeWO₄ catalyst. In summary, the results reveal that the synthesized FeWO₄ material is a promising catalyst for wastewater treatment by heterogeneous photo-Fenton process.