Study of the photocatalytic degradation of furacilin from aqueous solutions using the biochar/Fe3O4 nanocomposite

The biochar/Fe3O4 photocatalyst with magnetic properties has been produced by an environmentally friendly plasma method. Its efficiency has been verified in experiments on the photocatalytic decomposition of furacilin. Experimental data on the decomposition of furacilin were assessed using multiple regression. To optimize the process of photocatalytic destruction of furacilin, the method of central composite rotatable plaining of the experiment was used. The degree of decomposition of furacilin (4 mg L–1) of about 100% was achieved in 96 min under conditions of 1.6 g L–1 composite and 0.1 g/L H2O2. SEM analysis showed that the composite photocatalyst has a modified developed surface. The composite developed in this work showed that Fe3O4 in biochar is necessary to increase photoactivity; therefore, it turned out to be a promising material for the decomposition of furacilin and easy isolation of the photocatalyst from solution. © 2023, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.