Fabrication of Magnetic Nanocomposite Photocatalysts Based on Coated Carbon Nanotube for Removing Toxic Dyes

Abstract

In this article, magnetic nanocomposite photocatalysts based on carbon nanotubes, coated with cobalt ferrite and zinc oxide were prepared using hydrothermal synthesis method. Then, their physical and chemical properties have been investigated using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, vibrating sample magnetometer and visible-ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis). In the next step, the photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts for the removal of toxic dyes under visible light has been investigated. For this purpose, toxic dyes have been removed in the presence of photocatalyst and visible light under specific experimental conditions. It was found that under visible light, longer time is required, but under UV analysis, they degrade within 60 min. Then, using techniques such as UV electron absorption spectroscopy, the extent of dye removal has been measured. The results show that the magnetic nanocomposite photocatalysts based on carbon nanotubes, coated with cobalt ferrite and zinc oxide have high photocatalytic activity for the removal of toxic dyes under visible light. Also, the results show that coating the carbon nanotube with cobalt ferrite has a significant improvement in photocatalytic activity and increasing the amount of cobalt ferrite shows a substantial perfection in the removal of toxic dyes. Also, the magnetic nature of the prepared photocatalysts allows their easy recovery after use.