Green synthesis of Ag-ZnFe2O4@graphene nanocomposite for photocatalytic and electrochemical applications

Abstract

In light of environmental, health, and research considerations, both the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and the electrochemical sensing of dopamine hold practical significance for mitigating environmental pollution, ensuring the safety of water resources, and addressing neurological issues. In this study, we successfully synthesized the Ag-ZnFe2O4@graphene nanocomposite using Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract as a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel for combustion, followed by the hydrothermal method. This method yielded 20–30 nm sized ZnFe2O4 with well-distributed Ag dots on the surface, accompanied by graphene sheets. This composition enhances the stability and surface area of the catalyst for photocatalytic and electrochemical sensing applications. The complete degradation of the carcinogenic methylene blue (MB) was achieved within a 180-min timeframe. The heightened photocatalytic performance can be attributed to improved charge carrier separation, and reduction in the electron-hole (e−/h+) recombination. Additionally, the composite materials exhibited remarkable electrochemical sensing capabilities for dopamine detection, achieving a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.6 μM. This study underscores the feasibility of utilizing bio-waste, such as Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract, for catalyst synthesis and highlights the versatile potential of this catalyst in multifunctional applications. Our work not only advances the field of green nanomaterial synthesis but also paves the way for sustainable and cost-effective catalyst production with diverse functionalities.