Rare earth metal (Sm) doped zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) for improved photocatalytic elimination of toxic dye from aquatic system.

Wastewater remediation is the serious topic that must be taken into concern which would be a most crucial problem that destroys the natural properties as well as it has some worse effect on living organisms. By doing better wastewater management, the scarcity of water for domestic purposes can be eventually managed. Dyes are main organic pollutant that must be removed from wastewater. Pristine, 1% Sm doped and 2% Sm doped ZnFe2O4 were prepared through simple co-precipitation method. The materials were further analyzed for its structure, optical properties, rotational properties and morphology studies. These analyses were investigated with respect to X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence and scanning electron microscopic studies. XRD pattern of Pristine, 1% Sm doped and 2% Sm doped ZnFe2O4 was matched with JCPDS Card #89-1012 with cubic phase. Bandgap energy of prepared samples were 1.7 eV, 1.65 eV and 1.47 eV. The prepared cationic dye was degraded with help of visible light irradiation. 2% Sm doped ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles easily removed 65% of dye within 1 h duration. 2% Sm doped ZnFe2O4 was tested for its reusability and efficiency was stable for more than three cycles. This shows the stability of the sample towards degrading the cationic dye. By the doping of Samarium, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles enthusiastically removed cationic dye and it proves to be an efficient candidate in removing dyes and can help in wastewater treatment in upcoming era.