Graphene oxide-based ZnFe2O4 catalyst for efficient adsorption and degradation of methylene blue from water

This study describes a novel eco-friendly method for the synthesis of rGo/ZnFe2O4. The synthesized material has been applied as an adsorbent and photo-catalyst for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. Graphene oxide was used as precursor, and FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O and ZnSO4 have been anchored onto its framework through in situ reaction using ethanol as green solvent at 40 degrees C. The synthesis of rGo/ZnFe2O4 has been confirmed using x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM) study revealed excellent surface morphology of the composite. Similarly, insertion of Fe ions imparted magnetic character and made the rGo/ZnFe2O4 as recyclable sorbent/degradation agent. Evaluating the process at different pH value indicates that at pH 4 and 10, both adsorption and degradation take place, respectively, while at neutral pH, that is, 7, only adsorption is predominant process. The composite exhibits excellent degradation of 82% and 90% at pH 4 and 10, respectively, while at neutral pH, it shows 85% adsorption only. The composite has excellent regeneration ability and remains efficient in degradation of methylene blue for six cycles.