Synthesis of a reusable magnetic photocatalyst based on BiOCl / MnxZn1-xFe2O4 composites and its application on RhB degradation

Abstract

Water pollution is becoming an increasingly serious issue, which threatens human survival. However, existing technology for addressing this issue has not developed adequately, and the recovery of polluted water remains difficult. Therefore, it is critical to develop innovative wastewater treatment technology, which is highly effective, uses little energy, and produces no secondary pollution. In this study, a Z-type heterojunction BiOCl/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 magnetic composite photocatalyst was created by the hydrothermal method. Using RhB as the target dye, the photocatalytic performances of the composite samples were assessed. The structure of composite samples was studied by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.The findings demonstrate that the heterojunction created by the addition of MnxZn1-xFe2O4 and BiOCl lowers the rate at which photogenerated electrons and holes recombine. Meanwhile, the prepared BiOCl/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 magnetic composite photocatalyst exhibited a notable catalytic degradation effect on RhB. Among them, the degradation rate of BiMn-5 was as high as 94.6%, showing better photocatalytic performance than other composite samples with different mass ratios. In addition, the product can be recycled. After five repeated tests, the average degradation rate remained as high as 88.7%. Therefore, the BiOCl/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 magnetic composite photocatalyst developed herein can be a new technology for efficient and environmentally friendly sewage treatment in line with contemporary needs.