Biosynthesis of ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposites for degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide

This work demonstrates recent advancements in the phytosynthetic and environmentally friendly method of preparing ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposites using Pedalium murex L leaf extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized with UV-vis, FTIR, TGA/DSC, XRD, FESEM, and EDX to investigate the electronic as well as morphological properties. Moreover, the photocatalytic behaviour of ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposites was evaluated with a breakdown of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DPA) by exposing to UV-Vis light. The results obtained suggest that ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposite exhibited photocatalytic activity for the degradation of 2,4-DPA by approximately 94% in 60 min compared to ZnFe2O4. The hybrid nanostructure of ZnFe2O4@Ag significantly promoted charge transfer and prevented electron and hole recombination resulting in the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, ZnFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite showed the fair recyclable capacity for up to five catalytic cycles with an acceptable degradation percentage of 2,4-DPA. The findings of this study identify efficient charge transfer factor as a major contributor to the catalytic activity, with promising possibilities for the design of environmental remediation nanocomposite for harmful contaminants.