FeNi3@SiO2 magnetic nanocomposite as a highly efficient Fenton-like catalyst for humic acid adsorption and degradation in neutral environments

In this research, the ability of Fenton-like catalytic process in the presence of H2O2 for degradation of humic acid in simulated water was studied. In this regard, FeNi3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation method, using SiO2. The properties of the prepared FeNi3@SiO2 were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The studied parameters were pH (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11), contact time (5–180 min), nanocomposite dose (0.005–0.1 g/L), concentration of humic acid (2–15 mg/L) and concentration of H2O2 (50–200 mg/L). The highest removal percentage of humic acid was 100% at pH = 7, with humic acid concentration of 10 PPM, FeNi3@SiO2 dosage of 0.1 g/L and H2O2 dosage of 200 mg/L. According to the results, the Fenton-like catalytic process of FeNi3@SiO2/H2O2 had high efficiency in removing humic acid from aquatic environment.