Preparation of ZnFe2O4@TiO2 Novel Core-Shell Photocatalyst by Ultrasonic Method and Its Photocatalytic Degradation Activity

Abstract

ZnFe2O4 microspheres were prepared by solvothermal method, and a novel ZnFe2O4@TiO2 core-shell composite photocatalyst was prepared by ultrasonic (denoted as ZT-x) and mechanical stirring (denoted as ZTM-1.2). The morphology, structure, magnetic, and optoelectronic properties of the catalyst were investigated comprehensively, and the degradation performance of the catalyst was explored through the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light. The concentration of RhB was 10 mg/L, and the catalyst concentration was 0.3 g/L. ZT-1.2 showed the best photocatalytic degradation activity, and the degradation rate of RhB reached 97.3% within 60 min. The degradation ability of the catalyst was further evaluated by Methylene blue (MB), Methyl orange (MO), Phenol, and Ofloxacin (OFX). ZT-1.2 also exhibited excellent stability. The improved catalyst degradation performance was attributed to constructing a Z-type heterojunction. Moreover, the low-efficiency degradation of ZTM-1.2 was caused by catalyst agglomeration and low TiO2 loading, confirming the superiority of the ultrasonic method and providing a new method for the preparation of magnetically recoverable TiO2-based core-shell photocatalyst.