CuFe2O4@CuO: A Magnetic Composite Synthesized by Ultrasound Irradiation and Degradation of Methylene Blue on Its Surface in the Presence of Sunlight

Abstract

Spinel ferrite MFe2O4 (M = Cu, Ca, Mg, Ni, etc.) nanoparticles and their composites are a new promising materialbecause they have shown great interest in the field of sensing, optoelectronics, catalysis, and solar cells due to their unique physical and chemical properties that differ from their bulk structures. Today, lots of CuFe2O4 nanomaterials have been synthesized by different methods, such as hydrothermal route and sol-gel combustion methods. Nevertheless, there are hardly any results about photocatalytic activity. For this reason, we tried to increase optical properties by preparing a composite of CuFe2O4 nanomaterials with other oxides. In this paper, a CuFe2O4@CuO magnetic composite was synthesized via an ultrasound method. The samples prepared were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance spectrpscopy (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and elemental analysis (energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX)). The catalytic activity of as-synthesized CuFe2O4@CuO was evaluated using the degradation of methylene blue. Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism was discussed. Finally, the catalyst was used for effective degradation of methylene blue (MB) in its solution, which indicated a potential for practical applications in water pollutant removal and environmental remediation.