Shining Light on Environmental Remediation: A type-II heterojunction MnFe2O4/rGO Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of organic dyes and Bisphenol A

Abstract

In this study, we addressed the pressing issue of persistent organic pollutants in industrial wastewater by designing and fabricating a magnetically separable MnFe₂O₄/rGO heterostructure catalyst which uses on the efficient mineralization of bisphenol A (BPA) and dyes such as alizarin red S (anionic) and malachite green (cationic), which are known for their resistance to biodegradation and carcinogenic properties. Through comprehensive structural and magnetic property analyses using techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM/HRTEM, GC-MS, and optical property measurements, the formation of the MnFe₂O₄/rGO heterostructure (MnFe₂O₄/rGO-10) with promising catalytic activity was confirmed. Moreover, we assess the stability and recyclability of the catalyst through XRD and VSM studies, demonstrating its consistent performance over multiple uses. Remarkably, the MnFe₂O₄/rGO-10 catalyst exhibits 100% efficiency in the mineralization of BPA and both dyes under visible light illumination within 60 min. The cost-effectiveness and stability of this catalyst underscore its potential for practical application in wastewater treatment, offering a viable solution to the persistent challenge of removing stubborn organic contaminants.