@article{
author = "Hadnadjev-Kostić, Milica and Karanović, Djurdjica and Vulić, Tatjana and Dostanić, Jasmina and Lončarević, Davor",
year = "2023",
abstract = "ZnFe photocatalysts have been increasingly
investigated for water remediation due to the high demands
in this field, such as activity, toxicity, cost, and stability. The
presented study was focused on the simple, safe, non-toxic,
and eco-friendly synthesis and characterization of ZnFe-mixed
metal oxides in correlation with their functional properties.
Photocatalytic performance of these materials was evaluated
by rhodamine B photodegradation under simulated
solar light irradiation. The synthesized mixed oxides contained
hexagonal wurtzite ZnO as the predominant phase,
whereas, after thermal treatment, the formation of the
spinel-structured ZnFe2O4 phase was observed. The photocatalysts
with the additional spinel phase and thermally
treated at 300°C and 500°C exhibited superior photocatalytic
activity probably due to the highest amount of the
ZnFe2O4 spinel phase, favourable mesoporous structure,
and an optimal energy band gap of ∼2.30 eV that initiated
higher light-harvesting efficiency. The rhodamine B photodegradation
followed zero-order kinetics, indicating complete
coverage of active sites by the pollutant substrate.
Additionally, photocatalysts showed the highest efficiency
at the natural pH (6.8), being in accordance with green
synthesis principles. Simple, green route assembling synthesis
method, high photodegradation efficiency, and good
reusability make these ZnFe-mixed oxides great candidates
for potential application in practical wastewater treatments.",
publisher = "De Gruyter",
journal = "Green Processing and Synthesis",
title = "Photocatalytic properties of ZnFe-mixed oxides synthesized via a simple route for water remediation",
volume = "12",
pages = "20228153",
doi = "10.1515/gps-2022-8153"
}