Unveiling the synthesis of highly efficient cerium-doped zinc nanoferrites anchored over graphitic carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic water purification implications

Abstract

Over the past several years, the manufacturing and dispersal of naturally occurring dyes from various paint and textile companies have placed aquatic environments at an elevated risk of devastation. To address this pollution of the environment, it is imperative to focus on removing these dyes in order to address environmental pollution. Herein, we used hydrothermal technique to synthesize cerium-doped zinc nanoferrites anchored over graphitic carbon nitride (Ce_0.15Zn_0.85Fe₂O₄/g-CN), a photocatalyst that is both extremely adaptable and exceedingly efficient. The association between the catalytic efficiency and the material properties of the manufactured catalysts was examined with a diverse array of methods of characterization. The photodegradation efficacy of the Ce_0.15Zn_0.85Fe₂O₄/g-CN photocatalyst was examined using the methyl violet (MV) dye. The Ce_0.15Zn_0.85Fe₂O₄/g-CN photocatalyst exhibited an exceptional photodegradation of 97.19 % under solar light in comparison to pure ZnFe₂O₄ (73.81 %) and Ce_0.15Zn_0.85Fe₂O₄ (84.52 %), respectively, under constant conditions of reaction. The Ce_0.15Zn_0.85Fe₂O₄/g-CN photocatalyst’s improvement in photodegradation of the MV dye was attributed to a rise in active sites and an elevation in surface area to 128.67 m²/g as a result of g-CN incorporation in the material and was much greater than ZnFe₂O₄ (76.87 m²/g) and Ce_0.15Zn_0.85Fe₂O₄ (92.08 m²/g). The reaction circumstances were also adjusted to ascertain the impact of multiple variables. Radical trapping agents’ studies were employed to validate reactive oxygen species. The Ce_0.15Zn_0.85Fe₂O₄/g-CN photostability and recycling were assessed by executing four consecutive investigations under predetermined conditions for the reaction. Eventually, this research will yield an environmentally benign and economically viable photocatalyst for efficiently degrading MV dye in water reservoirs.