纳米复合材料Ag/MxOy-TiO2(MxOy=ZnO、Al2O3和Fe2O3)的制备及其微波辅助光催化降解甲基橙

采用溶胶-凝胶-程序升温溶剂热一步法,利用表面活性剂EO₂₀PO₇₀EO₂₀(P123)作为模板剂,分别制备了三元纳米复合材料Ag/ZnO-TiO₂、Ag/Al₂O₃-TiO₂和Ag/Fe₂O₃-TiO₂。通过XRD、氮气吸附-脱附测定、TEM以及扫描电子显微镜配合X-射线能量色散谱仪(SEM-EDS)等对合成的3种催化剂进行了对比表征分析。结果表明,复合材料Ag/M_xO_y-TiO₂中Ag以单质形式存在并较好地分布在M_xO_y-TiO₂表面上。所合成产物颗粒尺寸较小(约10 nm左右),形貌较好。其中,Ag/ZnO-TiO₂的比表面积与Ag/Al₂O₃-TiO₂十分相近,略大于Ag/Fe₂O₃-TiO₂。光催化活性研究中,以甲基橙为模型分子且辅以微波场作用。结果显示,上述三元复合材料的活性均明显高于未掺杂银的二元复合材料,其中Ag/ZnO-TiO₂的光催化活性最好,在90 min内对甲基橙的降解率高达86%。     

Graphene anchored with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles as a high-capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Heterostructured ZnFe₂O₄–graphene nanocomposites are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared ZnFe₂O₄–graphene nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis and galvanostatic charge and discharge measurements. Compared with the pure ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, the ZnFe₂O₄–graphene nanocomposites exhibit much larger reversible capacity up to 980 mAh g⁻¹, greatly improved cycling stability, and excellent rate capability. The superior electrochemical performance of the ZnFe₂O₄–graphene nanocomposites could be attributed to the synergetic effect between the conducting graphene nanosheets and the ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles.     

Preparation of ZnFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles by mechanical alloying and annealing for sensitizing C-modified TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and acquirement of efficient photocatalyst

ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles sensitized by C-modified TiO₂ hybrids (ZnFe₂O₄–TiO₂/C) were successfully prepared by a feasible method. The ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were prepared by mechanical alloying and annealing. The residual organic compounds in the synthetic process of TiO₂ were selected as the carbon source. The as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible light diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and N₂ adsorption–desorption analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts was measured by degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet (UV) light and simulated solar irradiation, respectively. The results show that the carbon did not enter the TiO₂ lattice but adhered to the surface of TiO₂. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared C-modified TiO₂ (TiO₂/C) improved both under UV and simulated solar light irradiation, but the improvement was not dramatic. Introduction of ZnFe₂O₄ into the TiO₂/C could enhance the absorption spectrum range. The ZnFe₂O₄–TiO₂/C hybrids exhibited a higher photocatalytic activity both than that of the pure TiO₂ and TiO₂/C under either UV or simulated solar light irradiation. The complex synergistic effect plays an important role in improving the photocatalytic performance of ZnFe₂O₄–TiO₂/C composites. The optimum photocatalytic performance was obtained from the ZnFe₂O₄(0.8 wt%)–TiO₂/C sample.     

Ag/AgBr/graphene oxide nanocomposite synthesized via oil/water and water/oil microemulsions: a comparison of sunlight energized plasmonic photocatalytic activity

In this article, we report that Ag/AgBr nanostructures and the corresponding graphene oxide (GO) hybridized nanocomposite, Ag/AgBr/GO, could be facilely synthesized by means of a surfactant-assisted assembly protocol, where an oil/water microemulsion is used as the synthesis medium. We show that thus-produced nanomaterials could be used as highly efficient and stable plasmonic photocatalysts for the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) pollutant under sunlight irradiation. Compared with the bare Ag/AgBr nanospecies, Ag/AgBr/GO displays distinctly enhanced photocatalytic activity. More importantly, the as-prepared nanostructures exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than that of the corresponding Ag/AgBr-based nanomaterials synthesized viaa water/oil microemulsion and than that of the corresponding Ag/AgCl-based nanospecies synthesized by an oil/water microemulsion. An explanation has been proposed for these interesting findings. Our results suggest that thus-manufactured Ag/AgBr/GO plasmonic photocatalysts are promising alternatives to the traditional UV light or visible-light driven photocatalysts.     

Magnetically separable ZnO/ZnFe2O4 and ZnO/CoFe2O4 photocatalysts supported onto nitrogen doped graphene for photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) counting heterogeneous photocatalysis has confirmed as one of the preeminent method for waste water remediation. In the present work, we have successfully fabricated novel visible-light-driven nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) supported magnetic ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ (ZnO/ZF/NG) and ZnO/CoFe₂O₄ (ZnO/CF/NG) nanocomposites. ZnO synthesized via direct precipitation method. Hydrothermal method was used for the preparation of nitrogen-doped graphene supported magnetic ZnO/ZF (ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄) and ZnO/CF (ZnO/CoFe₂O₄) nanocomposites. The procured materials were scrutinized by assorted characterizations to acquire information on their chemical composition, crystalline structure and photosensitive properties. The absorption and photocatalytic performance of photocatalysts were studied via UV–Visible spectra. Photodegradation performance of the synthesized nanocomposites was estimated toward mineralization of methyl orange (MO) and malachite green (MG) dyes in aqueous solution. The high surface area of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG was suitable for adsorptive removal of MO and MG dyes. The photodegradation performance of heterojunction photocatalysts was superior to bare photocatalyst in 140 min under visible-light irradiation. Spectrophotometer, GC–MS (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) elucidation was carried out to expose the possible intermediates formed. Both ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG were rapidly isolated from the aqueous phase by applying an external magnetic field in 20 sec and 2 min, respectively. The photocatalytic performance and stability of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG nanocomposites were confirmed by conducting 10 consecutive regeneration cycles. Owing to recyclability of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG, these heterogeneous nanocomposites might be used as cost-effective for treatment of discarded water. The observations endorse that the synthesized ternary heterogeneous nanocomposites facilitates wastewater decontamination using photocatalytic technology.     

Photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination of organic dyes over g-C3N4/MgAl2O4 nanocomposite

Using a grinding method, nanocomposites of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and magnesium aluminate (MgAl₂O₄) spinel were successfully synthesized for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). Variously formulated g-C₃N₄/MgAl₂O₄ nanocomposites were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and surface area and micropore analysis (BET surface area). The g-C₃N₄ powder exhibited a nanosheet structure whereas the MgAl₂O₄ spinel comprised agglomerated nanoparticles. The optical properties of the g-C₃N₄/MgAl₂O₄ nanocomposites were investigated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). As the g-C₃N₄ loading content increased from 0 to 30%, the optical band gap energy of the nanocomposite decreased from 3.84 to 2.86 eV, the specific surface area decreased from 153.78 to 114.45 m²/g, and the porosity decreased from 0.447 to 0.347 cm³/g. A 20%g-C₃N₄/MgAl₂O₄ nanocomposite proved to be the most effective photocatalyst and degraded MB faster and more completely than MO. The degradation rates of both MO (0.0107 min^?1) and MB (0.0386 min^?1) in a mixed MO-MB system were greater than the degradation rates in their single systems. The key factor that improved the photocatalytic degradation of MO was the synergistic effect whereas the synergistic effect and photosensitization were the key factors that enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of MB. The g-C₃N₄/MgAl₂O₄ nanocomposite is suitable for the photocatalytic degradation of mixed dyes because its point of zero charge is neutral and it is stable and recyclable.     

ZnFe2O4/Ag/TiO2复合材料的制备及其光催化性能

以硝酸银、钛酸四丁酯、无水氯化锌、六水氯化铁为原料,采用溶胶-凝胶法与溶剂热相结合的方法制备了ZnFe₂O₄/Ag/TiO₂复合材料,通过扫描电子显微镜、能谱分析仪、X射线粉末衍射仪、X射线光电子能谱仪、振动样品磁强计、紫外可见分光光度计对样品进行表征及测试。结果表明： ZnFe₂O₄/Ag/TiO₂-10具有最佳的光催化效果,在紫外和可见光下对染料的降解率都能达到90%以上,具有优异的紫外可见光光催化活性。ZnFe₂O₄/Ag/TiO₂具有独特的磁性,能在外部磁场作用下进行回收利用,这使其在实际应用中成为可能。通过磁分离技术重复回收利用5次后仍然保持优良的光催化性能,说明ZnFe₂O₄/Ag/TiO₂-10具有优异的磁性及较高的光催化循环稳定性。     

Ag/AgBr/Co–Ni–NO3 Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocomposites with Highly Adsorptive and Photocatalytic Properties

A facile anion‐exchange precipitation method was used to synthesize bifunctional Ag/AgBr/Co–Ni–NO₃ layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites by adding AgNO₃ solution to a suspension of Co–Ni–Br LDH. The Ag/AgBr nanoparticles were highly dispersed on the sheets of Co–Ni–NO₃ LDH. The prepared nanocomposites were used to adsorb and photocatalytically degrade organic pollutants from water. Without light illumination, the nanocomposites quickly adsorbed methyl orange, and the adsorptive capacity, which can reach 230 mg g^?1, is much higher than those of Co–Ni–Br LDH, Ag/AgBr, and activated carbon. The photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites for the removal of dyes and phenol are higher than those of Co–Ni–Br LDH and Ag/AgBr. The proposed method can be applied to prepare other LDH/silver salt composites. The high absorptive capacity and good photocatalytic activity of such nanostructures could have wide applications in wastewater treatment.     

离子交换法制备AgBr/Ag2WO4复合催化剂及其可见光催化性能

以Ag₂WO₄为载体,采用离子交换法合成了新型的AgBr/Ag₂WO₄复合光催化剂.利用XRD、SEM和UV-Vis对AgBr/Ag₂WO₄催化剂进行了表征,在可见光条件下(500 W、λ>420 nm)、以甲基橙(MO)为染料模型研究了AgBr/Ag₂WO₄的光催化活性.结果表明,AgBr/Ag₂WO₄具有比单独的AgBr和Ag₂WO₄更佳的催化活性,其中30%-AgBr/Ag₂WO₄复合催化剂具有最大光催化活性.机理研究表明,在MO的降解过程中,·O₂^-起主要作用,h⁺次之而·OH可以忽略.AgBr和Ag₂WO₄之间构成的异质结有效分离了光生电子和空穴,提高了催化剂的活性.     

Visible-light-driven photocatalysis of heterostructure Ag/Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>WO<Subscript>6</Subscript> nanocomposites and their photocatalytic degradation of dye under visible light irradiation

Ag/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a combination of hydrothermal method and ultrasonic vibration. The phases, vibration modes, constituents and morphologies were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The visible-light-driven photocatalytic activitiy of 0–10 wt% Ag/Bi₂WO₆ samples was studied by determining the photodegradation of rhodamine B under xenon lamp. In this research, 10 wt% Ag/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites exhibit the highest efficiency and have the promising photocatalytic properties for waste water treatment.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of magnetic Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>–nitrogen-doped graphene hybrid composite and its application as photocatalyst in degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue dyes in presence of copper (II) ions

Nanocomposite of Fe₃O₄–nitrogen-doped graphene (Fe₃O₄–NG) was synthesized by single step hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized composite was characterised by various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and thermal analysis (TGA). The catalytic role of synthesized nanocomposite in visible light induced photodegradation of methyl orange (MO; acidic dye) and methylene blue (MB; basic dye) was explored. The role of Cu(II) ions on the photodegradation of the organic dyes was also monitored. Cu(II) ions enhance the photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite by capturing photoelectron, thereby quenching the recombination process of electron–hole pair in photocatalyst.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of 17α‐Ethinylestradiol Exhibited by Multifunctional ZnFe2O4–Ag/rGO Nanocomposite Under Visible Light

In this paper, ZnFe₂O₄, a visible light active photocatalyst, was comodified by graphene oxide (GO) and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) to form ZnFe₂O₄–Ag/rGO nanocomposite (NC) by facile one‐pot hydrothermal method. Reduction of GO and formation of ZnFe₂O₄ and Ag nanoparticles occurred simultaneously during hydrothermal reaction. The photocatalytic activity of the NC was investigated under visible light, for the degradation of 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), a nondye compound, which also is an emerging pollutant with endocrine‐disrupting activity. The pseudo rate constant (k′) of as‐synthesized ZnFe₂O₄–Ag/rGO NC was higher by the factor of 14.6 and 5.6 times than the corresponding ZnFe₂O₄ and ZnFe₂O₄/rGO respectively. The synergistic interactions between ZnFe₂O₄, Ag and rGO leading to decreased aggregation of the NPs, increased surface area, better absorption in visible region, effective electron–hole generation transfer. However, in the presence of humic acid (HA), the photosensitization effect was predominated by competitive interaction resulting in only 80% removal of EE2 within the same time. Moreover, the composite can easily be magnetically separated for reuse.     

Novel Bi/BiOBr/AgBr composite microspheres: Ion exchange synthesis and photocatalytic performance

Novel Bi/BiOBr/AgBr composite microspheres were prepared by a rational in situ ion exchange reaction between Bi/BiOBr microspheres and AgNO₃. The characteristic of the as-obtained ternary microspheres was tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL). Under visible light irradiation, Bi/BiOBr/AgBr microspheres exhibited an excellent photocatalytic efficiency for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation, which was about 1.4 and 4.9 times as high as that of Bi/BiOBr and BiOBr/AgBr, demonstrating that the highest separation efficiency of charge carriers in the heterostructured Bi/BiOBr/AgBr. The photocatalytic activity of Bi/BiOBr/AgBr microspheres just exhibited a slight decrease after three consecutive cycles. The photocatalytic mechanism investigation confirmed that the superoxide radicals (O₂^•−) were the dominant reactive oxygen species for RhB degradation in Bi/BiOBr/AgBr suspension.     

Fabrication of PET/BiOI/SnO2 heterostructure nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Heterojunction BiOI/SnO₂ nanocomposites have been facilely synthesized by using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and a hydrothermal method, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers (NFs) were utilized as a photocatalyst carrier to support the BiOI/SnO₂ nanocomposites. PET/BiOI/SnO₂ NFs displayed excellent photocatalytic ability towards methyl orange (MO) and tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to investigate the morphology, crystal structure and chemical state of the PET/BiOI/SnO₂ nanofibers. Photoluminescence (PL) and active species trapping experiments indicated that photoinduced charge separation promoted the formation of holes (h⁺) and superoxide radicals (•O²_-). Moreover, a photodegradation mechanism was proposed to illustrate that the formation of a Fermi level equilibrium state between semiconductors accelerated charge separation in the semiconductor. This study is meaningful for providing new inspiration to design and fabricate novel heterostructure photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity.     

铋掺杂二氧化钛纳米颗粒的制备及其可见光催化性能

采用水热法,以纳米管钛酸为前驱物制备了Bi掺杂的TiO₂,并利用X射线衍射、透射电子显微镜、X射线光电子能谱、紫外-可见漫反射光谱等手段对样品进行了表征. 以甲基橙的光催化降解为模型反应评价了样品的可见光催化性能. 结果表明,Bi离子并没有进入TiO₂的晶格中,而是以BiOCl的形式存在. 所制得的BiOCl/TiO₂复合物对甲基橙降解表现出较优越的可见光催化活性;当Bi/Ti摩尔比为1%,水热温度为130℃时,所制催化剂的光催化性能最佳,并对光催化活性提高的机理进行了讨论. 同时,该催化剂对4-氯苯酚降解也表现出较高的光催化性能.     

Chemical synthesis of Ni/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanophotocatalyst for UV/visible light assisted degradation of organic dye in aqueous solution

The Ni/TiO₂ nanoparticles with different Ni dopant content were prepared by a modified sol–gel method. The structure and photoinduced charge properties of the as-prepared catalysts were determined using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy techniques, and the photocatalytic efficiency of these catalysts was tested using an organic dye. It was shown that Ni modification could greatly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of these nanocomposite catalysts by taking the photodegradation of methyl orange as a model reaction. With appropriate ratio of Ni and TiO₂, Ni/TiO₂ nanocomposites showed the superior photocatalytic activity than the single TiO₂ nanoparticles. Surface photovoltage spectra demonstrated that Ni modification could effectively inhibit the recombination of the photoinduced electron and holes of TiO₂. This electron–hole pair separation conditions are responsible for the higher photocatalytic performance of Ni/TiO₂ nanocomposites in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum.     

Novel visible-light-driven photocatalyst of NiO/Cd/g-C3N4 for enhanced degradation of methylene blue

Novel NiO/Cd/g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts were synthesized using a green and straightforward microwave-assisted method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The ternary NiO/Cd/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) at room temperature under the visible light irradiation. Experimental results revealed that the weight percent of cadmium had a remarkable effect on the photodegradation efficiency. The NiO/Cd/g-C₃N₄ (0.1%) sample exhibited superior activity in the degradation reaction. The activity of this nanocomposite was about 4.5 and 3.25 fold higher than those of the pure g-C₃N₄ and NiO/g-C₃N₄ samples in the degradation of MB, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to the low energy gap, increased absorption capacity of the visible light, and efficient suppression of the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. A detailed photocatalytic mechanism over the nanocomposite of NiO/Cd/g-C₃N₄ (0.1%) was proposed with superoxide radical anion O₂^– as the main reactive species. The stability of the nanocomposite was confirmed after four consecutive runs as well.     

Relationship between the component synthesis order of zinc ferrite–titania nanocomposites and their performances as visible light-driven photocatalysts for relevant organic pollutant degradation

The main objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the order of component synthesis of zinc ferrite–titania nanocomposites on their structural, morphologic, textural, light absorption properties, and performances as photocatalysts. In this respect, nanocomposite materials with 10ZnFe₂O₄90TiO₂ (wt %) composition were prepared via a two-step synthesis procedure by alternating the order of the component addition during the preparation protocol and characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, small-angle X-ray scattering, nitrogen sorption, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites was evaluated on Rhodamine 6G degradation under visible light illumination. The photocatalytic performances of nanocomposites were clearly superior to the classical TiO₂. Nevertheless, preparing titania in the presence of a presynthesized zinc ferrite led to superior characteristics in terms of band gap value, specific surface area, and grain sizes crucial for the enhancement of the photocatalytic performances.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Synthetic Dyes and Industrial Dye Wastewater by Hydrothermally Synthesized G–CuO–Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Hybrid Nanocomposites Under Visible Light Irradiation

To enhance the degradation of colour and chemical oxygen demand using photocatalytic activity, Graphene–CuO–Co₃O₄ hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized using an in situ surfactant free facile hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic degradation of synthetic anionic dyes, methyl orange (MO) and Congo red (CR), and industrial textile wastewater dyes under visible light irradiation was evaluated. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized structurally and morphologically using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Evaluation of the colour indicated complete removal at 15 min of irradiation for the MO and CR dyes, with 99% degradation efficiency. The reaction time for the primary effluent wastewater dye was 60 min for 81% dye removal. In contrast, a longer reaction time was required to meet the national discharge regulation for the raw wastewater dye, 300 min for 60% dye removal. The mechanism for dye degradation using the Graphene–CuO–Co₃O₄ hybrid nanocomposite was elucidated using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, and the rate constant and half-life of the degradation process were calculated. The results demonstrate that photocatalytic degradation using a hybrid nanocomposite and visible light irradiation is a sustainable alternative technology for removing colour from wastewater dye.     

Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composites for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light

In this study, novel ternary Fe₂O₃/ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ (ZFO) composites were successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with subsequent thermal treatment. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) measurement, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation indicated that the ZFO composites calcined at 500 °C has the best photocatalytic activity (the photocatalytic degradation efficiency can reach up to 95.7% within 60 min) and can maintain a stable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for at least three cycles. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of ZFO composites toward dye decomposition follows the order cationic Rh B > anionic methyl orange. Finally, using different scavengers, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were identified as the primary active species during the degradation reaction of Rh B.