Synthesis of magnetic NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts for boosting dye degradation performance under visible-light irradiation.

Abstract

Water pollution from dyes in wastewater is a critical global issue, as these stable organic dyes resist biodegradation, posing serious threats to aquatic ecosystems. To address this situation, advanced photocatalysts have been developed. Here, NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 was synthesized for the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye in the presence of H2O2 and visible light. Physicochemical analysis results showed NiFe2O4 nanoparticles dispersed in the g-C3N4 matrix, with an upward trend in the saturation magnetization of CNFx as NiFe2O4 content rose. The surface area of CNF30 was 62.3 m2 g-1, outperforming both NiFe2O4 (23.2 m2 g-1) and g-C3N4 (48.5 m2 g-1). NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 could be reused up to four cycles, and efficiently catalyzed the degradation of nearly 98% RhB dye, showing a decreased rate of up to 95% COD. Through scavenger studies, the main role of ˙OH was demonstrated. Therefore, highly efficient and recyclable NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 can be a potential photocatalyst for degradation of dyes.