Synthesis of CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite via honey mediated sol-gel auto combustion method and hydrothermal method with enhanced photocatalytic and efficient Pb+2 adsorption property

Abstract

Magnetic CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite were prepared in this study by a honey mediated green synthesis and simple hydrothermal process respectively. The properties of these nanocomposite were investigated and subsequently the photocatalytic activity and adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite were then studied through degrading methylene blue and lead (Pb+2) removal from water. The structural and morphological results shows that the magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of the g-C3N4 sheets. It was found that the incorporation of CoFe2O4 on the g-C3N4 narrows the band gap of the g-C3N4. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency and adsorption capacity of the synthesized nanocomposite shows an improved performance than the neat g-C3N4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. Moreover, due to the existence CoFe2O4, hybrid nanocomposite could be easily be detached from the solution by a magnet. The separated CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanocompsote showed promising recycling stability for the photocatalysis degradation of methylene blue as well as for the adsorption of lead from water. This study signifies that the synthesized hybrid nanocomposite can be a good remedy for polluted environmental water through organic dyes and heavy metals without introducing secondary pollutants into the water.