Enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue with alkaline and transition‐metal ferrite nanophotocatalysts under direct sun light irradiation

Enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue with alkaline and transition‐metal ferrite nanophotocatalysts under direct sun light irradiation

It is highly desired to synthesize low‐cost photocatalysts for the degradation of colored dyes to safeguard our environment for the future generations. Here, we report an extremely efficient and low‐cost synthesis of alkaline earth and transition‐metal ferrite photocatalysts (MgFe2O4, CaFe2O4, BaFe1...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society (Taipei) Vol. 66; no. 4; pp. 402 - 408
Main Authors: Ali, Nauman, Zada, Amir, Zahid, Muhammad, Ismail, Ahmed, Rafiq, Misbha, Riaz, Aaisha, Khan, Adnan
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Weinheim Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA 01-04-2019
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
Subjects:
Barium hexaferrite
calcination
degradation
direct sunlight
Dyes
Electromagnetic absorption
Free radicals
hydroxyl radicals
Light irradiation
metal ferrites
Methylene blue
Photocatalysis
Photocatalysts
Photodegradation
Sunlight
Synthesis
Zinc ferrites
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Summary:It is highly desired to synthesize low‐cost photocatalysts for the degradation of colored dyes to safeguard our environment for the future generations. Here, we report an extremely efficient and low‐cost synthesis of alkaline earth and transition‐metal ferrite photocatalysts (MgFe2O4, CaFe2O4, BaFe12O19, CuFe2O4, and ZnFe2O4) from their chloride salts and their applications for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV–visible and direct sunlight irradiation. The as‐prepared photocatalysts displayed enhanced photoactivities under both conditions of irradiation. After calcination at 600°C, the photocatalytic degradation increased significantly, and 96 and 85% MB was removed with ZnFe2O4 under UV–visible and direct sunlight irradiation, respectively. Moreover, large amounts of hydroxyl free radicals were produced under both irradiation conditions, which participated in the degradation of MB. The enhanced photodegradation activities of these photocatalysts are attributed to their extended visible light absorption and low bandgaps. This work will provide a feasible route to the synthesis of efficient and low‐cost photocatalysts to utilize sunlight for environmental remediation. Highly efficient metal ferrite nanophotocatalysts are prepared by a simple precipitation method. The excellent degradation efficiency for methylene blue has been attributed to the hydroxyl free radicals. This work shows that these nanophotocatalysts can be used for the degradation of pollutants under direct sunlight irradiation.
ISSN:0009-4536
2192-6549
DOI:10.1002/jccs.201800213