A novel CNC/CoFe2O4/zeolite composite as a heterogeneous fenton-like catalyst for the decolorization of cationic dyes

Abstract In this study, a novel and environmentally friendly catalyst composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), zeolite and CoFe 2 O 4 was synthesized and characterized using various analyses. The catalyst, named as 05mCCZF was utilized for decolorization of cationic dyes, methylene blue, malachite green and methyl violet 2B by Fenton-like oxidation. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was used as an oxidant. The decolorization efficiency under various operating conditions such as 05mCCZF amount, H 2 O 2 concentration, pH, initial dye concentration, reaction time, presence of NaCl was assessed. The decolorization efficiencies of methylene blue, malachite green and methyl violet 2B were 90.8%, 90% and 79.5%, respectively, under optimal conditions, which included a 05mCCZF dosage of 1 g/L, an initial dye concentration of 20 mg/L, a pH of 6, H 2 O 2 concentration of 0.0236 M, a temperature of 27 °C and a reaction time of 45 min. The decolorization kinetics of the dyes followed pseudo-first order kinetics and were explained using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model. Additionally, the decolorization of dyes in binary solutions was also investigated.