Synthesis of magnetic NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts for boosting dye degradation performance under visible-light irradiation†

Abstract

Water pollution from dyes in wastewater is a critical global issue, as these stable organic dyes resist biodegradation, posing serious threats to aquatic ecosystems. To address this situation, advanced photocatalysts have been developed. Here, NiFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ was synthesized for the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye in the presence of H₂O₂ and visible light. Physicochemical analysis results showed NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles dispersed in the g-C₃N₄ matrix, with an upward trend in the saturation magnetization of CNFx as NiFe₂O₄ content rose. The surface area of CNF30 was 62.3 m² g⁻¹, outperforming both NiFe₂O₄ (23.2 m² g⁻¹) and g-C₃N₄ (48.5 m² g⁻¹). NiFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ could be reused up to four cycles, and efficiently catalyzed the degradation of nearly 98% RhB dye, showing a decreased rate of up to 95% COD. Through scavenger studies, the main role of ˙OH was demonstrated. Therefore, highly efficient and recyclable NiFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ can be a potential photocatalyst for degradation of dyes.