Characterization and Catalytic Behaviour of Nanostructured Iron Oxide Powder from Waste Pickle Liquor of Steel Industry

Abstract

Nanostructured iron oxide powder that has been recovered from waste pickling liquor unit of steel industry was studied for oxidation catalytic applications. In this research, the powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transition electron microscopy (TEM) for determination of phase structure, morphology and particle size. Furthermore, the specific surface area of the powder was achieved by BET method. Results show that the powder consists of α-Fe2O3 particles with wide range distribution particle sizes between 50-300 nm. Specific surface area of the powder is about 4.33m2g-1. Moreover, catalytic behaviour of the iron oxide powder was investigated. A quartz tubular furnace was applied as a reactor for measuring catalytic activity. Conversion test results show that CO to CO2 conversion reaction was initiated at about 300°C (light-off temperature) and was completed at about 600°C. Also,the CO to CO2 conversion ratio was almost constant during long-term stability test.