Comparative catalytic activity of pure, mixed and P-modified CoFe2O4 nanoparticles for water treatment at neutral pH

Nowadays, cobalt-based catalysts are becoming increasingly attractive for various reactions. In this work, the catalytic and photocatalytic activities of different cobalt ferrites were investigated for the degradation of phenol in water at neutral pH. Pure CoFe2O4 and mixed CoxNi1-xFe2O4 ferrites were synthesized using different precursors (chloride and nitrate). CoFe2O4 catalysts derived from chloride precursors showed a higher catalytic efficiency compared to those derived from nitrate precursors. Significant enhancement in the catalytic activities was observed when Ni was incorporated into CoFe2O4. Furthermore, the catalytic activities of phosphorus-modified cobalt ferrites (P-CoFe2O4) significantly improved the photocatalytic degradation of phenol.

Automated summary

Cobalt-based catalysts are increasingly attractive for various reactions. The study found that CoFe2O4 catalysts derived from chloride precursors showed higher efficiency, the incorporation of Ni significantly enhanced the catalytic activity, and phosphorus-modified cobalt ferrites improved the photocatalytic degradation of phenol.