Synthesis of NiFe₂O₄-LDH composites with high adsorption and photocatalytic activity for methyl orange degradation

Abstract

The presence of hazardous chemicals in wastewater produced by industrial activities and human metropoles is threating the availability of safe drinking water. The development of a multifunctional material coupling adsorption and photocatalytic activity is hereby particularly promising for the removal of pollutants. We have proved the adsorption and catalytic activity of NiFe₂O₄-layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite through the degradation of methyl orange (MO) at room temperature under visible light. This degradation is enhanced by using a set of small light-emitting diodes (LEDs) providing a uniform 405 nm UV light. The remediation process is based on a first-step rapid adsorption of MO molecules by the LDH structures followed by the photocatalytic oxidation of the pollutant by the (∙OH) radicals produced by the NiFe₂O₄ semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs). The magnetic properties of the ferrite NPs allow a facile separation of the composite from the liquid media via a simple magnet. NiFe₂O₄-LDH composite could find wide application as a highly effective adsorbent/oxidizing catalyst operating under visible or near UV light.