Enhanced photocatalytic performance of ZnFe2O4/BiOI hybrid for the degradation of methyl orange

The ZnFe2O4/BiOI hybrid photocatalysts were fabricated by the solvothermal method. The crystalline phase, morphologies composition and optical absorption property of the samples with different ZnFe2O4 contents were analyzed utilizing XRD, SEM, PL and UV–vis diffuse reflection spectrum, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared photocatalysts were evaluated by degrading methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. Compared with pure BiOI and pure ZnFe2O4 catalyst, ZnFe2O4/BiOI hybrid photocatalysts could observably enhance photocatalytic activity and the 5% ZnFe2O4/BiOI composite performed the optimal degradation efficiency (81.2%) in 100 min. The kinetic studies indicated that the photo-degradation followed the first-order kinetic reaction model. Free radical trapping tests illustrated that ·O2− and h+ play the key roles in catalytic reaction. In consequence, the ZnFe2O4/BiOI composite can be widely used to treat organic pollutant in wastewater.