Construction of Magnetic Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Chitosan Polymer Composite with Enhanced Visible-light-driven Photocatalytic Activity for the Methylene Blue Dye Degradation

Abstract

The present study employed the simple co-precipitation approach followed by ultrasonication to generate a composite material consisting of magnetic Ag₃PO₄/Fe₃O₄/Chitosan(CS). The magnetic Ag₃PO₄/Fe₃O₄/CS composite was characterized using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods. The magnetic composite was evaluated as a photocatalyst for methylene blue (MB) degradation under visible light irradiation. The investigation also focused on optimizing the photocatalyst dose, concentration fluctuation, and stability to enhance the reaction conditions for dye degradation. The magnetic Ag₃PO₄/Fe₃O₄/CS composite exhibited robust photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB, with a removal efficiency of 95%. Furthermore, the recyclability of the magnetic composite was evaluated for five successive cycles and the degradation efficiency was reduced to 85% only, demonstrating its robustness. The composite demonstrated exceptional recyclability and reusability while experiencing no degradation in catalytic activity. The results of this study will aid in the advancement of environmentally friendly nanotechnology by enabling the production of easily separable magnetic Ag₃PO₄/Fe₃O₄/CS composite as heterogeneous catalysts.