G-C3N4 stacked Co0.75Zn0.25Fe2O4 magnetically separable nano hybrids for intensified removal of methylene blue under UV–Visible light

Abstract

Over the years, there has been a surge in interest in the use of photocatalysts for the removal of organic pollutants in wastewater. In this work, we report the successful fabrication of magnetic Co0.75Zn0.25Fe2O4/g-C3N4 nano hybrids for wastewater treatment. The produced photo catalysts were used to decompose methylene blue dye. SEM, elemental mapping, XPS, Raman, and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to validate the successful creation of the nanohybrid structure. The catalysts were synthesized in three different ferrite/graphitic carbon nitride ratios and employed for the optimization of maximum photo degradation efficiency against methylene blue dye. The optimal A1 (50%Co0.75Zn0.25Fe2O4/50%g-C3N4) photo catalyst exhibited excellent degradation efficiency of 99.34% for methylene blue removal in 60 minute experiment. The integration of both components in a nanohybrid favours charge separation with efficient Z-scheme charge transport via redox mediators. Scavenging investigations provide credence to superoxide and hydroxyl radicals as reactive species in MB breakdown. An appropriate mechanism with outstanding stability and confirmed reusability for the envisaged photo catalyst has been described.