Development of Iron/Indium-Impregnated Illite: A Novel Catalyst for Dye Degradation in Aqueous Systems

The application of metallic materials in environmental remediation has gained increasing attention due to the need for sustainable solutions to pollution. This study investigates the preparation and application of illite impregnated with iron (Fe) and indium (In) as a heterogeneous catalyst for the degradation of malachite green, a persistent and toxic dye used in industrial processes.

The Fe/In-impregnated illite catalyst was synthesized using a wet impregnation method, enabling the effective incorporation of metal ions into the clay matrix. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), were employed to confirm the structural and compositional modifications.

The catalytic activity of the synthesized material was evaluated through dye degradation experiments under varying reaction conditions, such as pH, dye concentration, and temperature. The results demonstrate that the Fe/In-illite catalyst achieved a degradation efficiency exceeding 97% for malachite green under optimal conditions. the kinetic studies revealed a pseudo-first-order reaction mechanism, highlighting the synergistic effect of iron and indium in enhancing the oxidative degradation process.

This work underscores the potential of combining metallic chemistry with natural clays to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly catalysts. The findings contribute to advancing the field of metallic materials chemistry for environmental and industrial applications.