Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Photocatalytic Evaluation of Fe3O4/SnO2:Pr3+ Nanocomposite Using Artocarpus heterophyllus L., for Dye and Pesticide Degradation

Magnetically active praseodymium (Pr³⁺) doped SnO₂ photocatalyzes dye and pesticide degradation in visible light. Light absorption excites electrons from valence to conduction, leaving holes. Pr³⁺ ions trap electrons, reducing recombination and improving photocatalytic efficiency. These charge carriers generate reactive oxygen species (Ȯ2−$\dot{\rm O} _2^ - $ and ȮH$\dot{\rm O} {\mathrm{H}}$), converting pollutants into nontoxic CO₂ and H₂O. Magnets quickly recover catalyst, making them cost-effective and reusable.

Abstract

This study presents a detailed and comprehensive approach to synthesizing Fe₃O₄/SnO₂:Pr³⁺ (FPS) nanostructures through a hydrothermal method using extracts derived from jackfruit leaves. This novel approach is ecologically friendly and sustainable, paving the way for a more sustainable future. The experiment has been conducted using different quantities of praseodymium ions to analyze their influence on the structure, purity, size, and effectiveness of the FPS photocatalyst. Techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were utilized to examine this novel photocatalyst. The research underscores the significant efficacy of merely 2 mL of jackfruit extract in the synthesis of the FPS photocatalyst, which exhibited exceptional performance in degrading rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). A solution including organic contaminants and the synthesized nanocomposite was subjected to a 50 W white LED light source for 150 min at a pH of 7. The technique attained degradation rates of 89% for MB dye, 83% for RhB dye, 76% for 2,4-DCP, and 68% for TCAA. It is worth noting that as-prepared photocatalyst effectively eliminates and breaks down toxic dyes as well as pesticides in water.

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