Nanosized zero-valent iron (NZVI) supported on the cation exchange resin was synthesized and applied to decompose some water soluble azo dyes. The decomposition efficiency for azo dyes was evaluated by using the aqueous suspensions and parked column of this material. Batch experiments indicated that this novel material exhibited excellent degradation ability for 0.05 g·L1 of Acid Orange 7, Acid Orange 8, Acid Orange 10, Sunset Yellow, and Methyl Orange, with decolorization ratio up to 95% in 4 min; pH value was the key factor for degradation and H+ was one of the reactants; adsorption of azo dyes onto the material existed at the beginning but reduced gradually until disappearing completely. For the packed column system, 58%~90% of azo dyes were decomposed in the 1st circle of solution passing through the column, and the adsorption onto the materials could accelerate the degradation azo dyes with the increasing reaction time. During the degradation process, Fe2+, the product of NZVI, was exchanged to the resin again and could be reduced to Fe0 by KBH4 for reusing. The 10th refreshed NZVI possessed reductive activity up to 90% of the newly systhesized NZVI. Decomposing pollutants in the aqueous solution with columns packed with NZVI immobilized on the cation exchange resin is a promising technology that can solve the reclaiming and refreshing problem of NZVI.
