Fabrication of eco-friendly NiFe2O4 nanocatalysts via plant extract-mediated synthesis: Kinetic and mechanistic insights into photocatalytic degradation of an anthraquinone dye and tetracycline antibiotic

Abstract

The escalating peril of organic pollutant contamination in water, encompassing dyes and pharmaceuticals, requires the formulation of remediation approaches that are both sustainable and effective. This study addresses this challenge by exploring a bioinspired synthesis route for nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe2O4 NPs) utilizing plant extracts. This eco-friendly approach eliminates the use of hazardous chemicals, promoting environmental sustainability compared to conventional methods. The plant extracts of Psidium guajava and Terminalia chebula were employed for the fabrication of NiFe2O4 NPs and the as-synthesized materials i.e. NiFe2O4 from Psidium guajava and NiFe2O4 from Terminalia chebula, were utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of Deep Blue and Tetracycline from aqueous systems under visible light illumination. The photocatalytic studies revealed the excellent potential of both the catalysts towards the efficient removal (>93%) of model pollutants. The mechanistic elucidation of the developed system revealed the primary participation of hydroxyl radicals in the Fenton driven process. Furthermore, the developed materials exhibited reusability till multiple degradation cycles suggesting its potential applicability in real water systems. Comprehensively, this work paves the way for a sustainable idea of wastewater treatment, armed with nature inspired and eco-friendly photocatalysts.