Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue on magnetically separable MgFe2O4 under visible light irradiation

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2013-05, Vol.139 (2-3), p.566-571
• Main Authors: Shahid, Muhammad, Jingling, Liu, Ali, Zahid, Shakir, Imran, Warsi, Muhammad Farooq, Parveen, Riffat, Nadeem, Muhammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Annealing; Hysteresis; Magnetic materials; Optical properties
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2013.01.058

A magnetically separable single-phase MgFe2O4 photocatalyst with a spinel crystal structure was synthesized by using the solid-state reaction method. The formation of spinel structure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The magnetic measurements showed that the photocatalyst material can be separated from water when an external magnetic field is added and redispersed into water solution after the external magnetic field is eliminated. It is one of the promising photocatalysts for waste water treatment. The photocatalytic activity of MgFe2O4 was investigated by using the photo-decomposition of methylene blue dye under visible light. The photoelectrochemical property of the MgFe2O4 was studied by measuring their photocurrent–potential behavior in 1 M NaOH electrolyte under AM 1.5100 mW cm−2 illumination. [Display omitted] Highly efficient magnetically separable MgFe2O4 photocatalyst for organic based impurities decomposition as well as for the production of H2 gas was synthesized and characterized successfully (a) MgFe2O4 photocatalyst in polluted water, (b) The photocatalyst (MgFe2O4) is being attracted toward magnetic field for separation, (c) Hysteresis loop of MgFe2O4 showing magnetic behavior. ► New photocatalyst working in the visible range have been synthesized by facile cheap route. ► MgFe2O4 photocatalyst showed well defined magnetically separable behavior. ► Excellent water splitting characteristics to produce H2 was observed under visible light irradiation.