Multifunctional CoFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites: probing magnetic and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Abstract Developing nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for eliminating hazardous contaminants is essential because of growing severity of water pollution. In this study, we have analysed the morphological, structural, magnetic, and optical properties of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites synthesized via hydrothermal approach and used for removal of rose bengal (RB) dye from contaminated water. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of synthesized nanocomposite revealed two distinct phases that matched with CoFe2O4 and ZnO. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra enlightened Co–O, Fe–O, and O–Zn–O binding peaks in synthesized nanocomposites. The band gap of nanocomposite, as determined by UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), varies from 1.53 to 3.29 eV. The wide band gap semiconductor (ZnO) is believed to be responsible for this transformation by introducing new sub-bandgap energy levels. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown the roles of various ions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed spherical morphology of synthesized samples. The highest magnetism of pure CoFe2O4 was 34.6 emu g−1, making it the most magnetic among all the synthesized materials. Furthermore, CoFe2O4/ZnO (1:4) nanocomposite exhibited the highest degradation of RB dye. The recombination of electron-hole pairs is inhibited by interfacial charge transfer provided by CoFe2O4 and ZnO. The results showed that CoFeZn14 nanocomposite is a promising candidate for wastewater treatment. CoFeZn14 demonstrated remarkable stability, showcasing its ability to be reused up to four times without compromising its efficiency.