Abstract
In this work, the semiconductor of ZnO-CoFe2O4 composites were prepared by green synthesis approach using rambutan peel extract (Nephelium lappaceum L.) as a capping agent. X-ray diffraction patterns of composites showed the main peaks of ZnO at 2θ = 31.8°, 34.5°, and 36.2° corresponding to hexagonal wurtzite structure and weak peak at 2θ = 35.4° for cubic structure of CoFe2O4. The formation of rice-like and small granular morphology were confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), whereas the superparamagnetic behavior of the samples were determined by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The spectrum of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed absorption bands related to a number of interactions and binding energy in the samples respectively. The photocatalytic performance of composites under solar light was evaluated for the degradation of Direct Red 81 and the dye from washing water of batik garments. The composites showed good photocatalytic activity with the degradation percentage reaching 99.6% for Direct Red 81 dye after 2 hours.
Highlights
Heterogeneous photocatalysts have received much attention due to their ability to eliminate dye molecules from wastewater economically, and thoroughly
If the composites used in the catalytic process, it can be separated from a liquid solution using an external magnetic field due to their magnetic behavior 4
Where D is the crystallite size, λ is the wavelength of incident X-rays, θ is the Bragg diffraction angle and β is the full width at half maximum (FWHM) X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak of particles[18]
Summary
Heterogeneous photocatalysts have received much attention due to their ability to eliminate dye molecules from wastewater economically, and thoroughly. ZnO semiconductors are in great demand and often used as the materials for photocatalytic processes due to environmentally friendly material and non-toxic, large abundance, and have great properties such as high chemical stability and photosensitivity[1,2]. ZnO has a fairly wide band gap (3.2 eV), so that it absorbs UV in a good capability but is limited in the visible region[3]. The modified ZnO is needed to improve its ability to absorb visible light. One of the most common modifications is doping ZnO with metal oxide materials so called ferrite spinel CoFe2O4 forming of ZnO/CoFe2O4 composite. This magnetic material has small band gap which shows a potential ability to absorb light in the visible region. If the composites used in the catalytic process, it can be separated from a liquid solution using an external magnetic field due to their magnetic behavior 4
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
