Simple synthesis of conjugated polyvinyl alcohol derivative-modified ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with higher photocatalytic efficiency

Conjugated polyvinyl alcohol derivative (CPVA)/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple liquid solid phase mixing and thermal dehydration/conjugation method. The CPVA/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite showed not only stronger photocatalytic activity than ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and previously reported MgFe2O4/CPVC and ZnFe2O4/CPVC photocatalysts (specifically, the photocatalytic activity of CPVA/ZnFe2O4 was 3 times that of ZnFe2O4, and 300 mg CPVA/ZnFe2O4 can achieve almost complete reduction of the Cr(VI) in 300 mL 50 mg/L K2Cr2O7 aqueous solution after 300 min visible-light irradiation), but also remarkable reuse performance in the visible-light-activated reduction of aqueous Cr(VI). Furthermore, the CPVA/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite can be separated from the solution by magnetic attraction. The elevated photocatalytic activity of CPVA/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite was experimentally found to be due to its more efficient transfer and separation of photo induced charges. The proposed modification of ZnFe2O4 using CPVA is effective, economical, and environmental friendly, and the CPVA/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite photocatalyst has potential in utilizing sunlight for treating Cr (VI)-polluted water. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A CPVA/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite with strong photocatalytic activity and remarkable reuse performance has been synthesized. It shows more efficient transfer and separation of photo induced charges, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity. It has potential in utilizing sunlight for treating Cr(VI)-polluted water.