Designing Cu2V2O7/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite: A high performance magnetically recyclable photocatalyst in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol

A simple, cost-effective design was adopted to construct a ternary Cu2V2O7/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite using the hydrothermal route. Its use as an efficient magnetically recyclable photocatalyst was evaluated in the photo-reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) under visible light. The as-synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using powder XRD, FT-IR, SEM, HRTEM, VSM, XPS, UV–Vis DRS, and PL studies. Cu2V2O7/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed sterling catalytic performance in the present photo-reduction reaction. This reaction got completed in just 60 ​s at room temperature. Successive cycles showed excellent catalyst recyclability and stability for ten runs without any considerable loss in its activity. The presence of g-C3N4 in the synthesized nanocomposite helps in facilitating easy electron transfer and efficient adsorption of substrates onto it. Thus the synergism operating between the various components in the Cu2V2O7/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite in combination with its visible light-responsive character account for its superlative photocatalytic behaviour in the reduction of 4-NP. [Display omitted] •Facile synthetic approach to develop Cu2V2O7/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite.•It exhibited superior photocatalytic performance in the visible light mediated reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP.•Combining Cu2V2O7, CoFe2O4 with g-C3N4 caused increased visible light absorption and suppressed e−/h+ recombination.•Efficient separation, recyclability and stability of the spent catalyst are key features of the present study.