Construction of magnetically recoverable novel Z-scheme La(OH)3/α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 photocatalyst for organic dye degradation under UV–visible light illumination

Abstract

Researchers have been fascinated to the field of photocatalysis by the creation of innovative composite photocatalysts to enhance the performance of the catalyst. The novel magnetically recoverable La(OH)3/α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite have been successfully prepared via a simple wet impregnation process. The as-synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by multiple analytical techniques. The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared materials was examined based on Rhodamine B (Rh B) dye under UV–visible light illumination. The obtained Z-scheme magnetically recoverable La(OH)3/α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite exhibited remarkably photocatalytic activity (94.69%), 4.04 and 2.33 times higher than the La(OH)3 and α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite, respectively. The ferromagnetic behavior of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and the high light absorption capacity of α-MnO2 nanorods improve the photocatalytic performance of La(OH)3/α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite. La(OH)3/α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite was able to help ease the recovery by its ferromagnetic behavior. This enriched photocatalytic performance could be caused by the formation of Z-scheme junctions between La(OH)3 and α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite, which helps effectual charge separation and keeps a high redox potential. Magnetically recoverable La(OH)3/α-MnO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite offers potential for photocatalysis and has probable applications in the energy and environmental sectors.