Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5599/jese.3177
Photocatalytic, electrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of the reactive dye Turquoise Tiafix R2G using LaFeO3 perovskite
Jonh Yago Erikson Santos
; Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão 49107-230, SE, Brazil
*
Rebeca E. S. Barros
; Graduate Program in Process Engineering (PEP), Tiradentes University, Aracaju 49010-390, SE, Brazil
Katlin I. B. Eguiluz
; Graduate Program in Process Engineering (PEP), Tiradentes University, Aracaju 49010-390, SE, Brazil
Patrícia M. Pimentel
; Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal Rural University of the Semi- arid Region, Mossoró 59625-900, RN, Brazil
Rosane M. P. B. Oliveira
; Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão 49107-230, SE, Brazil
Giancarlo R. Salazar-Banda
; Graduate Program in Process Engineering (PEP), Tiradentes University, Aracaju 49010-390, SE, Brazil
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
In this study, the photocatalytic, electrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic performance of lanthanum ferrite (LaFeO₃) toward the degradation of the dye Turquoise Tiafix R2G was investigated. LaFeO₃ was synthesized via a sol-gel route and characterized by XRD, N₂ adsorption (BET) and SEM, confirming its perovskite structure. Photolysis experiments indicated that the dye is highly photostable under the irradiation conditions employed. In photocatalysis, different LaFeO₃ loadings (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 g L⁻¹) were tested under a 100 W halogen lamp, with 0.3 g L⁻¹ providing the highest removal, although the process remained limited by electron-hole recombination. In heterogeneous electro-oxidation with LaFeO₃ in suspension, current densities of 10, 15 and 20 mA cm⁻² were applied; 15 mA cm⁻² afforded the best compromise between activity and stability, significantly increasing the dye oxidation rate. The simultaneous application of irradiation and current in the photoelectrocatalytic process led to the highest efficiency, achieving approximately 95% degradation within 60 min. These results demonstrate a clear synergistic effect between photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation in the LaFeO₃ suspension and electrochemical oxidant generation at the anode, resulting in a more effective oxidative environment. Thus, the optimized photoelectrocatalytic condition (0.3 g L⁻¹ LaFeO₃ and 15 mA cm⁻²) is a promising strategy for the treatment of effluents containing industrial dyes.
Keywords
Dye removal; lanthanum ferrite; photocatalysis; photoelectrocatalysis; degradation kinetics
Hrčak ID:
351711
URI
Publication date:
12.5.2026.
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