High performing p-n system of CaFe₂O₄ coupled ZnO for synergetic degradation of Rhodamine B with white-light photocatalysis and bactericidal action

Background: Environmental pollution demands the fabrication of suitable nano-photocatalyst that works under white-light irradiation. The effective interfacial engineering is required for better separation of charges.& nbsp;Method: Here, the novel magnetic CaFe2O4-ZnO nanophotocatalyst was synthesized by adopting a sono-chemical method. The CaFe2O4-ZnO was analyzed using HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, UV-visible DRS, BET, EIS, and photoluminescence analysis. The photocatalytic performance of CaFe2O4-ZnO is evaluated by decolouri-zation of Rhodamine B (RhB). Further, the particles' multifunctionality was evaluated by testing its antibacte-rial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli under dark and light.& nbsp;Significant findings: Here, 97.5% of RhB (25 mg/L) was degraded by CaFe2O4-ZnO (60 mg/L) under visible light. The kinetic rate of photocatalysis by CaFe2O4-ZnO was 0.027 min(-1) which was 13.5 and 9 folds higher rela-tive to pristine CaFe(2)O(4 & nbsp;)and ZnO. At pH 9, the RhB displayed higher photodegradation. Trapping experiments indicate Greek ano teleiaOH radical severe a key role in RhB degradation. The formation of p-n interface boosted better charge separation and improved ROS generation. At 50 mg/L CaFe2O4-ZnO, the antibacterial performance under light was 98% against B. subtilis and 99.9% against E. coli. The present study reports CaFe2O4 & nbsp;-ZnO nano-photocatalyst for the effective environmental remediation through photocatalysis and as an antibacterial agent. (C) 2022 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.