Photocatalytic Decolorization of Congo Red Wastewater by Magnetic ZnFe2O4/Graphene Nanosheets Composite under Simulated Solar Light Irradiation

摘要

ZnFe2O4 supported on graphene nanosheets (ZnFe2O4@GNs) was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. Characterization results of XRD and SEM demonstrated that ZnFe2O4 has been anchored on the surface of graphene nanosheets. After four successive cycles, removal efficiency of congo red is 88.66% by ZnFe2O4@GNs while 39.80% by ZnFe2O4, suggesting high photocatalytic stability of ZnFe2O4@GNs under simulated solar light. Quenching experiments confirmed that h(+) generated is the primary oxidizing agent, while both center dot OH and O-2(center dot-) reactive species are also involved for the photodegradation of organic dye pollutants. ZnFe2O4@GNs can be easily separated from the reacted aqueous solution using magnetic field. Results indicate the potential applications of ZnFe2O4@GNs in effective removal of organic dye wastewater.