Nanorod inside hollow-nanosphere structured magnetoelectric nanocatalyst for remotely controlled electrocatalysis assisted environmental remediation

Abstract

We introduce a highly efficient method for the catalytic breakdown of organic compounds using nanorods embedded within hollow nanospheres structured magnetoelectric nanocatalyst (MENC). MENCs were fabricated through a single-step process utilizing the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. The dynamic electric dipole generation capability due to synergistic interaction between nanorods at the core and the hollow nanosphere shell creates a nanoscale magnetoelectric device capable of electrocatalysis-assisted water purification through advanced oxidation processes under remotely applied magnetic field excitation. Our study examines the electrocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by MENCs under magnetic field excitation, achieving an unprecedented 90% removal efficiency for synthetic dyes. This remarkable efficiency is a result of surface redox reactions facilitated by electron and hole transfer, resulting in the production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as O2•− and •OH. Additionally, antioxidant experiments were performed to confirm the ROS generation capability of MENCs under magnetic field excitation. Furthermore, trapping experiments performed employing specific scavengers for individual reactive species reveal the mechanism responsible for the magnetic field-driven catalytic breakdown of organic contaminants by MENCs. Interestingly, the MENCs exhibit >95% reduction in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, respectively, within 90 min of exposure to a (20 mT& 1.9 kHz) AC magnetic field.