Heterogeneous sono-Fenton-like process using nanostructured pyrite prepared by Ar glow discharge plasma for treatment of a textile dye

The plasma-treated pyrite (PTP) nanostructures were prepared from natural pyrite (NP) utilizing argon plasma due to its sputtering and cleaning effects resulting in more active surface area. The NP and PTP were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The performance of the PTP was greater than NP for treatment of Reactive Red 84 (RR84) by the heterogeneous sono-Fenton process. The optimum amounts of main operational parameters were obtained as PTP of 4 g/L, initial dye concentration of 10 mg/L, pH of 5, and ultrasonic power of 300 W after 120 min of reaction time. Also, the effects of enhancers, and inorganic salts and t-butanol as hydroxyl radical scavengers on the degradation efficiency were investigated. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis (GC-MS) was applied for detection of some degradation intermediates. Environmentally friendly plasma modification of the NP, in situ production of H₂O₂ and ^OH radicals, low leached iron concentration and repeated reusability at the milder pH are the significant benefits of the PTP utilization.