In summary, we have presented a simple and effective technique, combining ion exchange with in-situ solution reduction to prepare NZVI/NaY at ambient temperature. Experimental results also indicated that the introduced iron precursor, FeSO4·7H2O, was reduced and confined on the surface of NaY zeolite, being present in a form of α-Fe nanoparticles, which resulted in stable nano-Fe0 dispersion and good catalytic property in a wider pH range (pH 1.7–5). Importantly, this novel heterogeneous catalyst was demonstrated as a potent low leaching Fenton catalyst even at acidic pH without external energy
input, which provided an attractive alternative for the treatment of organic pollutants in water/wastewater.