One-step electrospun ZnFe2O4/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofibers for efficient degradation of organic dyes

The ZnFe2O4/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofibers were successfully synthesized via the parallel electrospinning technique, exhibiting a morphology composed of nanofibers intertwined with nanospheres, with a diameter predominantly ranging from 150.5 +/- 39.98 nm. During the photo-Fenton reaction, Fe3+ions in ZnFe2O4 served as electron traps, facilitating their reduction to Fe2+ upon capturing electrons from the conduction band, and Fe2+ interacted with H2O2 to generate additional center dot OH radicals, which were then reoxidized to Fe3+, sustaining the catalytic cycle. When illuminated for 150 min, the degradation efficiencies of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the ZnFe2O4/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofiber systems, with varying volumes of H2O2 (0.05 mL, 0.1 mL and 0.2 mL) added, were 83.02 %, 93.33 %, and 90.34 %, respectively. The optimal photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 93.33 % was achieved with the addition of 0.1 mL of H2O2.In this photo-Fenton process, both photogenerated holes (h+) and center dot OH radicals played pivotal roles under light irradiation. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the application of photocatalysis for the treatment of industrial dye wastewater. The ZnFe2O4/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofibers present a promising alternative to traditional treatment methods, demonstrating high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and significant potential for industrial-scale application. This research significantly contributes to the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development.