Rapid catalytic degradation of malachite green by MgFe2O4 nanoparticles in presence of H2O2

In this study, the MgFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. The nanoparticles were characterization by powder XRD, FTIR SEM-EDX, TEM, HR-TEM, VSM and XPS studies. EDX confirmed the presence of the desired elements Mg, Fe and O only in the material. The Fe(II) and Fe(III) chemical state of the iron present in the MgFe2O4 nanoparticles were confirmed by XPS. The material was applied as a catalyst for the degradation of malachite green dye. Remarkably the catalyst shows 100% degradation of the dye in 50 s in the presence of H2O2. The high rate of the degradation of the dye was due to Fenton mechanism involving hydroxyl and perhydroxyl radicals (HO• and HOO•). The catalyst shows super-paramagnetic behavior and hence, can be easily removed from the reaction mixture by external magnet. •MgFe2O4 was synthesized by a facile solid-state reaction method.•The presence of Fe3+ and Fe2+ was confirmed by XPS studies.•Remarkably 100% degradation of malachite green dye was achieved in 50 s.•Fenton mechanism which involved HO.• and HOO• radicals in the degradation process.•Reusability of the catalyst is an important aspect of the study.