A facile one-pot γ-radiation formation of gum arabic-stabilized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as an efficient magnetically retrievable heterogeneous catalyst

Currently, there is a demand for an effective solution to address toxic pollutants in aqueous environments. Consequently, creating a cost-efficient and effective catalytic system with the added benefits of easy recovery from the medium and the ability to be reused is essential. In this study, gamma (γ) radiolysis as a simple and environmentally friendly process under ambient settings was used to successfully manufacture a nanocatalyst of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe₂O₄ NPs) modified gum arabic (GA) as a nontoxic, biocompatible, and inexpensive biopolymer. The prepared GA-CoFe₂O₄ NPs were evaluated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, and vibrating sample magnetometer analysis. XRD analysis illustrates the formation of CoFe₂O₄ NPs through the appearance of the characteristic peaks. TEM analysis shows the spherical shape of CoFe₂O₄ NPs with an average particle size diameter ranging from 20 to 30 nm. FTIR analysis of GA-CoFe₂O₄ NPs confirmed both the functionalization of GA with the CoFe₂O₄ NPs and the appearance of the specific signal of CoFe₂O₄ NPs. The atomic ratio obtained from EDX analysis matches the stoichiometric ratio of cobalt ferrite. The GA-CoFe₂O₄ NPs exhibit an excellent magnetic response of saturation magnetization of 47.619 emu g⁻¹. The prepared CoFe₂O₄NPs were then evaluated as a catalyst for the catalytic reduction of p-NP, MO dye, and a mixture of these pollutants. The results showed that CoFe₂O₄ NPs have high catalytic efficiency in the reduction of mono or mixed compounds. Furthermore, recycling of the CoFe₂O₄ NPs catalyst was also confirmed and it could be magnetically recovered and reused for at least six times with a good catalytic efficiency.