Magnetically recyclable ZnCo2O4/Co3O4 nanophotocatalyst: Green combustion preparation, characterization and its application for enhanced degradation of contaminated water under sunlight

Finding the appropriate photocatalyst for elimination of organic contaminants is a challenge for remediation of environment. Herein, we tried to synthesis of ZnCo2O4/Co3O4 nanocomposite using the Stevia extract as a natural reagent that can act as green fuel in auto-combustion sol-gel method and control the size of product by steric-hindrance induced by its structure. The chelating role of this natural reagent was investigated by changing the amount of this extract for synthesis of different samples. Analyses confirmed the effect of this parameter on morphology and size of products. The photocatalytic activities of different samples under visible irradiation were investigated and the effect of size of photocatalyst on degradation percent of dye was studied. The good performance of ZnCo2O4/Co3O4 nanocomposite was detected by degradation of Acid violet 7 about 93.5% in 70 min and 2-phenol about 100% in 18 min. Photocatalyst was easily recycled through magnetic properties of products and stability of it under irradiation was confirmed by degradation of dye after 10 times recycling. (C) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a ZnCo2O4/Co3O4 nanocomposite was successfully synthesized using Stevia extract as a natural reagent. The photocatalytic activities of different samples and the effect of catalyst size on dye degradation efficiency were investigated. The results show that the composite exhibited good performance and stability under irradiation.