Sn(II) inserted on hydroxyapatite encapsulated nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4@HAp-Sn2+): A novel nanocomposite for the effective photo-degradation of rhodamine B dye

Abstract

Abstract The environmental remediation from polluting dyes has been one of the significant challenges that the researchers are facing across the globe. Scientist all over the world are not only focusing on environmentally benign method for synthesis of new materials but are also putting a lot of emphasis on developing newer efficient method of remediation of environmental pollution through green and clean technology. In this regard, it has been contemplated to design a novel material which can not only be prepared in an environment friendly manner but also can play an important role in making our environment cleaner through efficient removal of polluting dyes from the environment. Thus, the major focus of this paper has been given on the synthesis, characterization, and application of Sn(II) inserted on hydroxyapatite encapsulated nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4@HAp-Sn2+) novel nanocomposite. The composite was synthesized in three steps and well characterized by various characterization techniques such as powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and ultraviolet diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) studies. The photocatalytic and adsorption efficiency of the composite was investigated in the degradation of Rhodamine B dye. The composite has been able to removed 62.5% of the dye by adsorption. However, the 84.4% degradation of the dye in presence of the photo-catalyst was achieved in 60 min without the assistance of any reductant or oxidant. Remarkably, in the presence of H2O2 the complete degradation (99.2%) of the dye was achieved just in 40 min only. This eco-friendly magnetically retrievable nanocomposite, proved to be a great material for removing the organic contaminant from the wastewater.