Z-Scheme Nano-Photocatalyst using Porous SrGO/NiFe2O4/CuS Magnetic Heterojunction for Visible-Light-Driven TCH Degradation and 4-NP Reduction

Abstract

In the present study, a magnetic porous sulfur-doped reduced graphene oxide enwrapped nickel ferrite/copper sulfide heterostructure photocatalyst (SrGO/NiFe2O4/CuS: GNFC) was synthesized by a facile solvothermal-reflux approach. Under exposure to visible light, the synthesized GNFC heterojunction exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity for the Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation and 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction. The synthesized photocatalysts were analysed using diverse characterization techniques. GNFC-13 beats all other nanocatalysts in terms of photocatalytic activity for removing model contaminants from wastewater. The magnetic NiFe2O4 and SrGO surface porous architectures, which can provide a lot of adsorption sites and, therefore, favourable for the adsorption enrichment of toxic pollutants, are the explanations for the GNFC nanocatalysts improved photocatalytic effectiveness. Also, enhanced pollutant removal effectiveness may result from in situ photocatalytic degradation and adsorption enrichment acting together synergistically. In light of the various experimental results, a Z-scheme charge transfer channelization mechanism of the photocatalyst is elucidated. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the magnetic GNFC nanocatalysts have excellent potential for eliminating hazardous contaminants from the environment