Novel heterojunction magnetic composite MIL-53 (Fe)/ZnFe2O4: Synthesis and photocatalytic pollutant degradation

A new magnetic composite was synthesized by integration of ZnFe2O4 and MIL-53(Fe) micro-rods by a solvothermal method. This composite served as a heterogeneous catalyst to overcome the high electron-hole recombination rates of ZnFe2O4 and to enhance the degradation of Direct Red 23 under visible light irradiation. Different analytical techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, DRS, VSM, and PL, were employed to characterize the synthesized heterojunction nanocomposite and to evaluate its photocatalytic activity. The ZnFe2O4/MIL-53(Fe)/Vis-light system resulted in significantly higher dye degradation as compared with pristine ZnFe2O4 and MIL-53(Fe) semiconductors at the optimum pH of 3.1 and irradiation time of 120 minutes. Moreover, the composite exhibited high magnetization property that led to easy collection and recovery from effluent solution. It also retained its durability and stability after five cycles. The photo-generated hole was found to be the primary dye destruction agent as specified by the scavenger test.