Synthesis of novel Ag-doped ZnFe based-oxides nanocomposite for wastewater treatment, self-cleaning, and corrosion resistance
Abstract
To tackle the critical environmental and industrial challenges, this research endeavors to develop nanomaterial with enhanced photocatalytic function, corrosion resistance, self-cleaning capabilities, and optimal effluent treatment. This research successfully synthesized Ag@ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposite to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of Congo red from water. The structural composition and morphology of the materials were examined by the utilization of XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM with EDS and TEM. The study examined the impacts of catalyst dosage, concentrations of PMS, pH, and simultaneous ions on the experiment, as well as the ability of the nanocomposites to be reused and their stability. The photocatalytic degradation process was hypothesized to operate using free radical trapping tests. Results indicated that the heterostructure junction flanked by ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles and Ag promoted charge transfer, reducing electron-hole recombination. By adding 5 mg of Ag@ZnFe₂O₄ nanocomposite, Congo red degradation was optimized at 98.7 % due to the huge surface area of Ag microflowers, which boosted active sites and CR elimination. Due to nanoparticle surface charge, PMS speciation, and radical interactions, CR degradation was most efficient at pH 7.3 and less efficient at pH 9.5. CR degradation rates rose with PMS concentration, reaching 34.7 %, 67.9 %, and 97.9 % at 0.3, 0.6, and 1 mM, respectively. The order of the inhibitory action was CO 3 2− > H 2 PO 4 − > Cl − > NO 3 − . Free radical entrapment experiments show that hydroxyl ( • OH) and sulfate radicals ( • SO₄⁻) are key in CR photodegradation, with h + and • O₂ being the main active species . ESR tests revealed radicals, while electron transfer between ZnFe₂O₄ and Ag boosted carrier migration, driving redox cycles and CR breakdown into stable byproducts like CO₂ and H₂O. Light-induced reaction eliminated 45.8 % of TOC, indicating CR partial mineralization. Mechanism of PMS-based photodegradation of CR removal was proposed. This study underscores the promising potential of Ag@ZnFe 2 O 4 /nanocomposites for PMS activation in degrading Congo red-contaminated wastewater. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that a polymeric nanocomposite coating greatly improves the ability to resist corrosion in steel substrates when exposed to a 3.5 % NaCl solution. This is achieved by reducing the corrosion current density and boosting corrosion resistance. Superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings repel water and pollutants, safeguarding various substrates from soil residues. • A facile nanocomposite of silver-doped @ZnFe 2 O 4 was successfully prepared by hydrothermal method. • This composite material developed excellent self-cleaning and non-wettability. • It has a high potential for corrosion resistance due to robust fabrication. • It exhibited good performance of photodegradation for Congo red dye in the aqueous phase.