Iron-loaded amine/thiol functionalized polyester fibers with high catalytic activities: a comparative study.

Dispersion of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) was achieved on polyester fabrics (PET) before and after the incorporation of dendrimers (PAMAM), 3-(aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) or thioglycerol (SH). The catalytic activity of the resulting materials (PET-Fe, PET-PAMAM-Fe, PET-APTES-Fe and PET-SH-FE) was comparatively investigated in the degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene-blue (MB). Full characterization through diverse instrumental methods allowed correlating the type of the organic moiety incorporated with the Fe content, catalytic properties and stability. The highest 4-NP degradation yield reached 99.6% in 12 min for PET-SH-Fe. The catalytic activity was explained in terms of reactant interaction with Fe-NPs. The 1st order reaction kinetics and pseudo-1st order adsorption kinetics provide evidence of the key role of reactant adsorption. These findings allow envisaging the preparation of fiber-based catalysts for potential uses in environmental and green chemistry.