Enhanced structural, optical, and photocatalytic activities of Cd-Co doped Zn ferrites for degrading methyl orange dye under irradiation by visible light

In this study, Cd-Co doped Zn ferrites (CdxZn1-xCo0.25Fe1.75O4; x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) were successfully synthesized using a facile sol-gel method for the first time. Furthermore, the prepared samples were utilized as catalysts in the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye for wastewater treatment applications. Cubic particles with the Fd3m space group and spinel structure were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Fourier transform-infrared and Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of various functional groups, active sites, and a spinel structure. The optical properties were investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy, which determined the emission spectrum in the range from 403 to 411 nm. The photocatalytic activity was assessed based on the degradation of MO dye. The ultravioletvisible absorption spectra showed that the sample with x = 0.75 (Cd0.75Zn0.25Co0.25Fe1.75O4) obtained the highest degradation efficiency of 82% after 120 min under irradiation by visible light due to the active octahedral lattice sites and prevention of electron/hole pair recombination.

Automated summary

In this study, Cd-Co doped Zn ferrites were successfully synthesized and used as catalysts for the degradation of methyl orange dye, with Cd0.75Zn0.25Co0.25Fe1.75O4 sample showing the highest degradation efficiency under visible light irradiation.