Magnetically separable and visible light-active Ag/NiCo2O4 nanorods prepared by a simple route for superior photodegradation of atrazine in water

Atrazine (ATZ) is a known herbicide used in agriculture and caused many concerns according to its toxicity. Herein, we have prepared NiCo2O4 nanorods that can work as a photocatalyst under visible light exposure by Ag loading through a simple route. The characterizations revealed the role of Ag for improving the structural, optical and optoelectronic properties of the produced photocatalyst. The Ag loading with 5 wt% confirms the minimization of the bandgap from 3.6 down to 2.57 eV with enhanced visible light absorption and sustaining the magnetic properties. The Ag/NiCo2O4 nanorods showed a superior photodegradation of ATZ within 20 min at 2.0 g L-1 with excellent recyclability. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity is referred to the local surface plasmon resonance of Ag-loaded photocatalyst. This reduces the electron-hole recombination and out-performs the unloaded sample. This work is highlighting the application of magnetically separable spinel photocatalysts for the removal of herbicides and water remediation.