An overview of nanostructured manganese ferrite as a promising visible-light-driven photocatalyst for wastewater remediation

Photocatalytic degradation is a promising advanced oxidation process technology for the removal of various pollutants from wastewater due to its excellent photocatalytic activity, low energy utilization, and low cost. Also, recently, magnetic-based processes attract increasing attention due to their capability and adaptability in decontamination. As a potential photocatalyst, MnFe2O4 nanoparticles have emerged as an interesting material for the degradation of numerous contaminants caused by their tolerable band gap, wide harvesting of visible light, good stability, and recyclability. This article is an unprecedented review of the state-of-the-art progress on MnFe2O4 and their composites with an emphasis in visible-light photocatalytic application towards wastewater remediation, intrinsic properties of the photocatalysts, preparation method and techniques to improve photocatalytic performance, their current prospects, and challenges in heterogeneous systems. Furthermore, their potential and practical applications of environmental technologies were discussed. The most significant findings that emerged from this study suggest that surface modifications can be performed to improve the development of multiphase photocatalysts with MnFe2O4 in the photocatalytic process due to its numerous advantages, such as synergism in the photo-Fenton process, use of sunlight as a source of irradiation, and the impairment of electronhole recombination.

Automated summary

Photocatalytic degradation is a promising technology for wastewater treatment due to its high efficiency, low energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness. The use of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles as a photocatalyst has attracted significant attention due to its wide range of applications, stability, and recyclability. This article provides an in-depth review of the current progress on MnFe2O4 and its composites, focusing on their application in visible-light photocatalysis for wastewater remediation, intrinsic properties, preparation methods to enhance photocatalytic performance, and future prospects and challenges in heterogeneous systems. Additionally, the potential and practical applications of these environmental technologies were discussed. The study suggests that surface modifications can significantly improve the performance of MnFe2O4-based multiphase photocatalysts by promoting synergistic effects, utilizing sunlight for irradiation, and reducing electron-hole recombination.