Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of basic fuchsin using NiFe2O4/SiO2 nanomagnets: synthesis, characterization, and application in wastewater treatment
N. Douas, N. Keghouche, A. Bilek, H. Tebani, Z. Boutamine
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Abstract
This study investigates the efficiency of silica-supported NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as a magnetically recoverable photocatalyst for degrading basic fuchsin pollutants. Ni–Fe/SiO2 nanocomposites were easily synthesized by wet impregnation followed by calcination (T = 350–700 °C). The structural and optical study of Ni–Fe/SiO2 calcined at 700 °C (Ni–Fe(700)) revealed the formation of nanosized spinel phase NiFe2O4 with an average size of 12 nm, a high specific surface area (147 m2g−1), and a narrow band gap of 1.67 eV. Moreover, NiFe2O4/SiO2 nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic behavior with a magnetic susceptibility of 1.9 × 10−2 and a high saturation magnetization (47 emu g−1). These unique properties enable superior photocatalytic performances and easy magnetic separation. Under optimized conditions (dye concentration: 10 ppm, catalyst concentration: 0.1 g L−1, pH = 6), the nanoparticles achieved a remarkable 99% degradation efficiency of basic fuchsin within 40 min, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.1198 min−1 and a substantial reduction in total organic carbon from 134 to 11 mg L−1 (92%). This high effectiveness, combined with demonstrated recyclability over four cycles, highlights the nanoparticles’ strength and durability. Furthermore, NiFe2O4 nanoparticles are effective across a wide range of pH levels, making them highly adaptable for various environmental conditions. Oxidant radical scavenger experiments permit to identify the superoxide anion radical (●O2−) as crucial in the oxidative degradation process, indicating that NiFe2O4/SiO2 acts as reduction photocatalyst. This work highlighted the primordial role of silica, not only as dispersing and stabilizing agent, but also as an actor in the photocatalytic process. Due to its negative electric charge, the adsorption of. cationic dye molecules and the charge separation are improved, while the electron–hole recombination is reduced. The synthesis of stable, highly photoactive, recyclable NiFe2O4/SiO2 offers a sustainable solution for treating dye-polluted wastewater, thereby eco-friendly practices in industrial applications.
期刊介绍：
The objective of the Journal of Nanoparticle Research is to disseminate knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological phenomena and processes in structures that have at least one lengthscale ranging from molecular to approximately 100 nm (or submicron in some situations), and exhibit improved and novel properties that are a direct result of their small size.
Nanoparticle research is a key component of nanoscience, nanoengineering and nanotechnology.
The focus of the Journal is on the specific concepts, properties, phenomena, and processes related to particles, tubes, layers, macromolecules, clusters and other finite structures of the nanoscale size range. Synthesis, assembly, transport, reactivity, and stability of such structures are considered. Development of in-situ and ex-situ instrumentation for characterization of nanoparticles and their interfaces should be based on new principles for probing properties and phenomena not well understood at the nanometer scale. Modeling and simulation may include atom-based quantum mechanics; molecular dynamics; single-particle, multi-body and continuum based models; fractals; other methods suitable for modeling particle synthesis, assembling and interaction processes. Realization and application of systems, structures and devices with novel functions obtained via precursor nanoparticles is emphasized. Approaches may include gas-, liquid-, solid-, and vacuum-based processes, size reduction, chemical- and bio-self assembly. Contributions include utilization of nanoparticle systems for enhancing a phenomenon or process and particle assembling into hierarchical structures, as well as formulation and the administration of drugs. Synergistic approaches originating from different disciplines and technologies, and interaction between the research providers and users in this field, are encouraged.
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