Synthesis and Characterization of MnFe2O4 and Clay/MnFe2O4 using neem leaves for photodegradation and radical scavenging studies

This study presents the green synthesis of MnFe₂O₄ and Clay/MnFe₂O₄ composites using neem leaf extract via a reflux method. Comprehensive characterization of the materials was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and UV-Vis’s spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was assessed for Methyl Violet (MV) dye degradation under UV light, achieving an impressive 98.54 % efficiency with the Clay/MnFe₂O₄ composite at an initial dye concentration of 10 ppm within 90 min, following first-order kinetics, with a calculated half-life of 15.33 min. Additional studies on catalyst recyclability, total organic carbon (TOC) reduction, scavenger effects, and pH influence confirmed the composite’s efficiency and durability. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay, where Clay/MnFe₂O₄ exhibited a high scavenging efficiency of 81.4 % and an IC₅₀ value of 253.644 µg/mL, outperforming the individual components. These findings underline the potential of Clay/MnFe₂O₄ composites for environmental remediation and antioxidant applications.