Synthesis of bentonite clay-based iron nanocomposite and its use as a heterogeneous photo fenton catalyst

A method for synthesizing bentonite clay-based Fe nanocomposite (Fe—B), using a pillaring technique, comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming an aqueous bentonite suspension;
• (b) forming an Fe3+ pillaring solution by adding NaCO3 to an Fe(NO3)3 aqueous solution;
• (c) adding the Fe3+ pillaring solution obtained in step (b) to the aqueous bentonite suspension obtained in step (a) with stirring to form bentonite Fe3+ pillaring solution mixture;
• (d) aging the mixture at room temperature or 100° C. for 48 hours;
• (e) separating by centrifugation and washing the mixture to obtain a catalyst precursor precipitate;
• and
• (f) calcining the catalyst precursor to form intercalated bentonite iron oxide catalyst nanoparticles.