Synthesis of ZnO–Ag2CO3–Fe3O4@rGO core–shell structure: magnetically separable photocatalyst for degradation of MB using the Box–Behnken design

Abstract

In this work, a simple microwave method was utilized to prepare ZnO sheet linked with Fe3O4@rGO core–shell and of Ag2CO3 through formation of the quadri-photocatalytic with high activity. The microstructure, morphology, spectroscopic, and magnetic characteristics of the prepared samples were assessed using XRD, SEM, PL, TEM, FT-IR, DLS, and VSM analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the material was evaluated for photodegradation of methylene blue dye under the UV and visible light with home-made photoreactor. The response surface method in a Box–Behnken design was utilized to design the experiments. The parameters affecting the efficiency of the degradation including, pH (5–9), photocatalyst dose (50–150 mg), contact time (30–90 min), and radiation power (30–60 W) were studied and optimized. The optimum parameters were found to the initial concentration of 10 ppm, after a reaction time of 63.65 min, the amount of the catalyst of 150 mg, the pH of 8.99, and 94.99% of degradation (in the radiation power of 45 W).