Microwave assisted green synthesis Ce0.2Ni0.8Fe2O4 nanoflakes using calotropis gigantean plant extract and its photocatalytic activity

Abstract The cerium incorporated NiFe 2 O 4 was prepared by microwave assisted combustion method using calotropis gigantean (C.G) plant extract which is an inexpensive, eco-friendly and greener way to synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials. The materials were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), N 2 sorption studies and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photodegradation efficiency of prepared catalysts was examined by removal of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation. When cerium ions is introduced into nickel ferrite its change the band gap energy value from 1.13 to 1.04 which leads to the superior photocatalytic activity of Ce 0.2 Ni 0.8 Fe 2 O 4 catalyst compare than pure NiFe 2 O 4 and also enhances surface area of the nickel ferrite which provides more active sites to degradation of the pollutant. Here cerium act as charge carrier it's reduce electron – hole recombination and accelerated the degradation and mineralization of dyes and further it was evident from the photoluminescence. The possible degradation mechanism for MB is also discussed. In industrial point of view, the recovery and reusability of the catalyst which clearly indicate that Ce 0.2 Ni 0.8 Fe 2 O 4 catalyst is a potential photocatalyst for the removal of organic pollutant.