Work

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Polythiophene‐Modified Strontium Ferrite Nanohybrids for Crystal Violet Degradation Under Visible Light

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dye‐contaminated wastewater presents a serious environmental challenge, demanding efficient and sustainable treatment methods. Crystal violet (CV) is a water‐soluble, toxic, and persistent organic dye that poses serious health risks and contributes significantly to environmental pollution. The objective of this study is to investigate the use of polythiophene (PTh)‐decorated SrFe 12 O 19 nanoparticles as photocatalysts for the efficient and sustainable degradation of CV dye in contaminated wastewater. The materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The FTIR and XRD studies confirmed the successful modification of the SrFe 12 O 19 nanoparticles with PTh and a progressive decrease in band gap energy with increasing PTh loading, from 2.40 eV for SrFe 12 O 19 to 1.63 eV for 5% PTh/SrFe 12 O 19 (UV–Vis). This reduction in band gap significantly improved light absorption and photocatalytic activity. The 5%‐PTh/SrFe 12 O 19 nanohybrid demonstrated superior performance, achieving 97% CV degradation within 120 min. Degradation products were analyzed using LCMS, and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. The findings not only contribute to the development of eco‐friendly, energy‐efficient solutions for dye‐contaminated water but also pave the way for scalable applications in industrial effluent treatment, addressing a critical environmental challenge and promoting the use of renewable light sources for pollution control.

Source: International Journal of Energy Research

DOI: 10.1155/er/8395368

Authors: Shayista Gaffar, S. M. Ashraf, Ufana Riaz

Institutions: Jamia Millia Islamia, North Carolina Central University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,700