Development of chitosan decorated Fe3O4 nanospheres for potential enhancement of photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye molecules

Abstract

Fe₃O₄ nanospheres (Nsps) and chitosan (Cts)/Fe₃O₄ Nsps were prepared using a one-pot hydrothermal method and subsequently used as photocatalysts against the degradation of Congo red (CR) dye molecules. The sphere-shaped Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were heterogeneously decorated by the Cts matrix, which was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The Cts/Fe₃O₄ Nsps demonstrated 98% efficient photocatalytic activity against CR dye molecules upon 60 min exposure to visible light compared to Fe₃O₄ Nsps (77% for 60 min). When compared to Fe₃O₄ Nsps, the visible light photocatalytic efficiency of Cts/Fe₃O₄ Nsps against CR dye molecules was significantly improved.

Keywords: Chitosan molecules; Congo red dye molecules; Hydrothermal method; Iron oxide nanospheres; Photocatalytic degradation.