Abstract
Herein, we prepared a novel magnetic ZnFe 2 O 4 aerogel capable of visible light reduction of Cr(VI) via the sol-gel method. The influences of different heat treatment temperatures on the physical phase, structure, and properties of the catalysts were systematically investigated. Photocatalytic experiments revealed that the 400 °C heat-treated ZnFe 2 O 4 aerogel exhibited the optimal photocatalytic performance. To attenuate the influence of catalyst adsorption on the photocatalytic experiments, the concentration of Cr(VI) solution was as high as 100 mg/L. The reduction rate of Cr(VI) was significantly higher than that of some previously reported ZnFe 2 O 4 photocatalysts after visible light irradiation for 120 min. A plausible photocatalytic reaction mechanism was deduced based on the first-principles DFT calculations and photoelectrochemical experiments. In addition, the 400 °C heat-treated ZnFe 2 O 4 aerogel possessed a high specific surface area of 115.31 m 2 /g and a saturation magnetization intensity of 10.6 emu/g, which allowed for recovery by magnetic separation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
