Synthesis and properties of inorganic organic ZnFe2O4/PDI composite photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity and magnetic separation ability

Using a straightforward water bath heating technique, ZnFe₂O₄ photocatalyst was combined with perylene diimide (PDI). The photocatalytic oxidation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible light was examined. The research revealed that the ZnFe₂O₄/PDI composite had a superior visible light degradation rate for CIP compared to self-assembled PDI and ZnFe₂O₄. This study highlights that the unique 1D nanorod morphology of PDI, combined with the quantum-sized ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, synergistically facilitates efficient carrier migration to the surface, thereby boosting photocatalytic performance. The formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction, driven by well-matched energy band alignment between PDI and ZnFe₂O₄, creates an interfacial electric field that promotes directional charge separation while preserving strong redox potentials. Enhanced interfacial interactions in the self-assembled 30% ZnFe₂O₄/PDI composite result in exceptional CIP degradation efficiency of 86.80% under visible light, representing 2.48-fold and 1.81-fold enhancements over pristine PDI (35.10%) and ZnFe₂O₄ (48.01%), respectively. This work pioneers a magnetic recoverable Z-scheme photocatalyst system through rational organic–inorganic hybridization, offering a sustainable platform for advanced environmental remediation technologies.