Green synthesized CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposites utilizing plant leaf extracts as magnetically separable and reusable photocatalysts for organic toxic dye degradation

• Published in: Journal of water process engineering 2025-01, Vol.69, p.106708, Article 106708
• Main Authors: Larasati, Dyah Ayu, Puspitarum, Deska Lismawenning, Istiqomah, Nurul Imani, Zurnansyah, Mahardhika, Larrisa Jestha, Rini, Nugraheni Puspita, Oshima, Daiki, Kato, Takeshi, Partini, Juliasih, Suharyadi, Edi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CoFe2O4/rGO; Green synthesis; Nanocomposite; Photocatalysis; Reusability
• ISSN: 2214-7144; 2214-7144
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.106708

Developing a sustainable and effective approach to separate photocatalytic nanoparticles from processed solutions is vital to support their reuse. Magnetic nanocomposites with superior catalytic efficiency and easy separability present a promising avenue for enhancing wastewater treatment processes. Here, we present the photocatalytic degradation of magnetically separable green synthesized cobalt ferrite/reduced graphene oxide (CoFe2O4/rGO) under ultra-violet irradiation. The CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a green approach using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent, while rGO was prepared by reducing GO with Amaranthus viridis leaf extract. The crystallite size decreased with increasing rGO concentration. The morphological images illustrate that the particles were nearly spherical in shape and attached to the rGO sheet. The formation of the nanocomposite was confirmed by the detection of HOH, CH, CC, FeO, and CoO functional groups in the CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite. The UV–Vis spectrum of the nanocomposite exhibited a slight red shift at the band edge. Analysis of the magnetic properties revealed that the nanocomposite exhibited ferromagnetic behavior. The CoFe2O4/rGO 5:5 nanocomposite exhibited optimal efficiency in rhodamine B photodegradation, reaching a degradation rate of 78.6 % within 120 min, with 20 min intervals. The magnetic separability of the nanocomposites permitted recycling for up to three consecutive cycles. In light of these findings, the CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite demonstrates considerable promise as a standalone photocatalyst for the remediation of organic contaminants in the environment. •CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposites were prepared by green synthesis utilizing leaf extract.•Green-synthesized CoFe2O4/rGO exhibits soft ferromagnetic behavior.•Adding rGO to CoFe2O4 improves the photodegradation of RhB under UV light.•Green-synthesized CoFe2O4/rGO can be easily separated with a magnet and reused.