Fe-TiO2 and Fe2O3 quantum dots co-loaded on MCM-41 for removing aqueous rose bengal by combined adsorption/photocatalysis

Adsorption and photodegradation are promising approaches for removing organic pollutions. In this study, we combined these two processes by co-loading Fe-TiO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 quantum dots (QDs) on porous MCM-41, using a simple hydrolysis method. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that Fe-TiO 2 QDs are formed at low Fe precursor concentrations, while additional Fe 2 O 3 QDs are formed at higher Fe precursor concentrations. The Fe 2 O 3 and Fe-TiO 2 QDs impart high adsorption capacity and high photoactivity to the porous MCM-41, respectively. Thus, their combination results in a synergic effect of the adsorption and photodegradation. The highest-performing sample exhibits excellent performance in removing rose bengal from aqueous solution.