Fabrication of ZnxMn1-xFe2O4 metal ferrites for boosted photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B dye

Abstract

The use of dyes increased with the development of Iraq's textile industry. Synthetic dyes are still widely used because of the various benefits they provide. However, synthetic colors do not biodegrade; therefore, their release into the environment could be harmful. In this study, simple coprecipitation was used to produce multi metal ferrites (ZnxMn1-xFe2O4) as photocatalysts for the degradation of the synthetic dye Rhodamine B (Rh B). The XRD, EDX, SEM, BET, DRS, and VSM” techniques were used to analyze the produced materials. Photodegradation efficiencies were tested by varying reaction parameters such pH, catalyst dosage, H2O2 addition, dye concentration, and irradiation time. It was found that the Zn0.7Mn0.3Fe2O4 sample decomposed more rapidly under some conditions. A 99% degradation was achieved after 180 min of radiation exposure in a mixture with a pH of 3.0, a catalyst dose of 1 g/L, a Rh B concentration of 20 mg/L, and 1 mL of hydrogen peroxide. Also analyzed were processes for removing “total organic carbon” (TOC) and “chemical oxygen demand” (COD). Rh B at a concentration of 20 ppm was most effective at removing both TOC (75%) and COD (80%).

Keywords

• Metals ferrites
• Photodegradation
• Rh B dye
• Photocatalyst
• Coprecipitation