Novel green synthesis approach of eco-friendly magnetic/semiconductor nanocomposites as magnetically separable and reusable photocatalyst for organic dye degradation
Penulis/Author
Dyah Ayu Larasati (1); DESKA LISMAWENNING P (2); NURUL IMANI I (3); Dr. Juliasih Partini, S.Si., M.Si. (4); Huma Ali (5); Daoud Ali (6); Prof. Dr.Eng. Edi Suharyadi, S.Si., M.Eng. (7)
Tanggal/Date
2024
Kata Kunci/Keyword
Abstrak/Abstract
Eco-friendly and effective separation of photocatalytic nanoparticles from the reaction mixture is crucial to
facilitate their repeated use in photocatalysis. The development of magnetic/semiconductor nanocomposites
with high catalytic performance and easy separation is an efficient strategy for wastewater treatments. In this
study, we explore the potential of combination of magnetic (CoFe2O4) and semiconductor (ZnS) synthesized via a
green approach using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as magnetically separable photocatalysts for dye degradation.
X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of the cubic spinel ferrite phase of CoFe2O4 and the cubic zinc
blend phase of ZnS within the nanocomposites. The micrographs illustrated nearly spherical nanoparticles with
average particle sizes of 12 nm for CoFe2O4 and 26 nm for CoFe2O4/ZnS, respectively. The presence of S––
O
suggested the incorporation of ZnS on the surface of CoFe2O4/ZnS nanocomposites. The UV–visible spectra
revealed an increase in the band gap energy from 3.7 to 4.5 eV with increasing ZnS concentrations. Magnetic
properties analysis signified that the CoFe2O4/ZnS nanocomposites exhibited ferromagnetic characteristics. The
optimal degradation efficiency of photodegradation methylene blue was observed for CoFe2O4/ZnS 50 %,
achieving 78.3 ?gradation within 80 min with intervals 20 min. The magnetically separable capability allows
for the recycling of nanocomposites after three consecutive cycles. Therefore, CoFe2O4/ZnS nanocomposites
emerge as promising candidates as separable photocatalysts for the removal of organic pollutants in
environments.
