Pulicaria gnaphalodes-assisted green synthesis of NiFe2O4@ZnO nanocomposites for sustainable remediation of an antibiotic from aqueous solution

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the NiFe2O4@ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized in a simple, accessible and affordable method using Pulicaria gnaphalodes plant extract as a reducing agent. The structural characteristics of this nanocomposite were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, X-ray energy diffraction spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. TEM micrograph confirmed the formation of spherical and cubic spinel ferrite with average dimensions of 75–85 nm. Some parameters such as pH, dose of NiFe2O4@ZnO nanocomposite, concentration of penicillin G and reaction time to reach optimal conditions were investigated. According to the results of the present research, the photocatalyst process along with the use of NiFe2O4@ZnO nanocomposite as an oxidizing agent is an effective method in degradation of the penicillin G antibiotic from aqueous solutions.