Testing of Magnetic ZnO/MgFe2O4 Heterostructures for Photocatalytic Removal of Synthetic Dye Pollutants from Wastewater

Worldwide population growth and pollution have limited the availability of clean water. Therefore, it is imperative to develop rapid water purification techniques that can eliminate all primary water pollutants, such as organic compounds and synthetic dyes. Pollutant disposal using a photocatalytic technique is efficient and safe for the environment. In this context, the ZnO/MgFe2O4 heterostructure photocatalyst is produced via a sol-gel technique to degrade methylene blue (MB) as a benchmark dye. Synthesized samples are characterized by numerous analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, scanning tunneling electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, I-V characteristics curves, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Photocatalytic degradation efficiency is witnessed at 40.01%, 55.05%, and 71.02% for ZnO, MgFe2O4, and ZnO/MgFe2O4, respectively. Among all the samples, composite heterojunction demonstrates the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The obtained results reveal that the presence of magnetic ferrite in heterojunction promotes the absorption of radiation, reduces electron-hole recombination, and improves charge transfer. High stability over multiple cycles and easy removal character are the added benefits of the tested heterojunction photocatalyst.

Automated summary

The limited availability of clean water due to worldwide population growth and pollution necessitates the development of rapid water purification techniques. Photocatalytic degradation using the ZnO/MgFe2O4 heterostructure photocatalyst demonstrates high efficiency in eliminating water pollutants. The presence of magnetic ferrite in the heterostructure promotes radiation absorption, reduces electron-hole recombination, and improves charge transfer. The heterostructure photocatalyst also exhibits high stability and easy removal.