Synergistic effects of co-doping and rGO reinforcement to boost the structural, electrical, optical, and photocatalytic properties of manganese ferrite

Abstract

In this study, using a co-precipitation method, MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) doped with chromium and copper have been synthesized. Additionally, we have prepared nanocomposites (NCs) by incorporating 10 % reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) through ultra-sonication. This research investigates the influence of Cr and Cu doping and the addition of r-GO on different physicochemical properties, including structural characteristics, electrical behavior, and photocatalytic performance. Fabricated materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman scattering. According to the structural study, Cr & Cu doped and rGO-reinforced MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite was formed successfully. The electrical conductivity of the ferrite nanocatalyst increased with Cr and Cu doping and r-GO addition. The BET surface area measurements for the bare, co-doped, and composite materials yielded 68 m2g-1, 94 m2g-1, and 139 m2g-1, respectively. The MnFe2O4/r-GO nanocomposite showed a notable aptitude for photo-degradation of RhB dye, achieving a degradation rate of around 98.48 % during 50-min duration under sunlight irradiation. The bare and co-doped equivalents exhibited deterioration rates of 39.86 % and 61.27 %, respectively. The photocatalyst is stable, losing just 1.27 % of its activity after five reusability tests. Scavenging radical results show that the hydroxyl (OH•) and e−/h + species are mainly involved in the degradation of RhB dye. MnFe2O4/r-GO NCs' highly porous texture, low band gap, larger surface area, and well-conducting nanosheets enhance dye degradation, making the composite material a promising environmental remediation material.