Silica based ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite as a novel photocatalyst for basic fuchsin dye degradation

Abstract Growing environmental problems and the threat of an energy crisis have created an urgent need for affordable and efficient photocatalysts that can work under UV light to remove pollutants. In this work, Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared by a chemical co-precipitation method, while SiO2 nanoparticles were produced through dry mechanical milling. These materials were then combined in a 1:1 molar ratio using the same dry mechanical method to form a doped ZnFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposite. The structure and composition of the composite were analyzed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The photocatalytic and adsorption performance of the ZnFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposite was tested under different conditions, including pH, initial dye concentration, and amount of nanocomposite used. The results showed that 0.01 g of the composite removed 95% of basic fuchsin dye at pH 11 after 150 min. The kinetic analysis revealed that the degradation process followed a pseudo-first-order model. Overall, the ZnFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposite showed excellent potential as an effective and practical material for environmental cleanup and industrial wastewater treatment.