Sunlight-active, S-g-C3N4 boosts Ni-doped ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts for efficient organic pollutants degradation

The advanced oxidation process (AOP) using heterogeneous photocatalysis has been recognized as an effective method for wastewater treatment. Cubic spinel nickel-doped zinc ferrite (Ni@ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared using hydrothermal synthesis with varying nickel concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 wt %). The nanoparticles and nanocomposites were characterized using XRD, XPS, BET, SEM, PL, TEM, UV-visible spectroscopy and FTIR. Ni@ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst's ability to degrade dye was tested using Methylene blue (MB) as a probe. The 5 % Ni@ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles showed the best photocatalytic efficiency. S@g-C3N4 was constructed using thiourea. To further improve catalytic activity, nanocomposites were made with 5 % Ni@ZnFe2O4 and varying contents of S@g-C3N4 (30, 10, 50, and 70 %). The impact of S@g-C3N4 content on photocatalytic performance was observed. The 50 % S@g-C3N4/5 %Ni@ZnFe2O4 composite performed best among the samples tested. Its enriched photocatalytic capability is due to synergistic exchanges at the S@g-C3N4/Ni@ZnFe2O4 interface, facilitating more efficient separation and movement of photogenerated charges. Degradation of MB suggests this material may have applications for water purification.