Photocatalytic degradation of phenol by LaFeO3 nanocrystalline synthesized by gel combustion method via citric acid route

Focusing on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol under visible light, the synthesized lanthanum orthoferrites (LaFeO 3 ) by gel combustion method using citric acid as sacrificial agent were investigated. With the highest reaction temperature of 200 °C, the physicochemical properties of synthesized samples were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS). On the other hand, UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis was carried out to determine the phenol photodegradation activities and mechanism. The results suggested the well-defined LaFeO 3 nanocrystals with specific area of 28 m 2 g −1 were successfully synthesized. Besides that, variations in operating parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage and initial concentration of phenol in synthetic wastewater were also examined. In conclusion, LaFeO 3 nanocrystalline exhibited an exceptional photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation, thus providing a perfect alternative for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.