H2O2-assisted visible-light-driven photocatalysis and magnetic recovery of cobalt ferrite nanofibers
Abstract
While nanoparticle-based photocatalysts have been widely studied for dye degradation, their tendency to agglomerate in solution and the complexity of recovery methods have limited practical use. Magnetic nanofibers having a large surface area, favourable morphology, and recoverability can be a good alternative. We synthesised spinel cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanofibers via an electrospinning route with an optical bandgap of 1.86 eV and strong absorption in the visible range. A high saturation magnetisation of 43 emu g−1 was observed, which is desirable for magnetic separation. The photocatalyst achieved near-complete degradation of both methylene blue and methyl orange within 150 min in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Isopropyl alcohol-based scavenging tests confirmed the role of hydroxyl radicals as one of the main reactive species. After five degradation cycles, the photocatalyst showed a negligible change in degradation efficiency. Thus, electrospun CoFe2O4 nanofibers can be a promising alternative to address issues faced by nanoparticle-based photocatalysts.