Cobalt ferrite-modified sol-gel synthesized ZnO nanoplatelets for fast and bearable visible light remediation of ciprofloxacin in water

Currently, metal oxide photocatalysts is a green and facile tool for the elimination of emerging pollutants utilizing light illumination. Though, the wide bandgap energy (Eg), rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers, and photostability of these oxides represent critical issues before the actual application. Herein, we familiarise a sol-gel based synthesis of ZnO hexagonal nanoplatelets modified with CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticles at minor loading (1.0–4.0 wt %) to yield CFO/ZnO nanoheterojunctions. The CFO/ZnO unveiled mesostructured surfaces at surface areas of 102–120 m2 g−1 and photoactive in the visible region with high. The CFO addition to ZnO reduced its Eg from 3.14 to 2.66 eV. The formed nanoheterojunctions were applied to remediate ciprofloxacin (CPF), as an antibiotic pollutant in wastewater. The 2.4 g L-1 3.0 wt % CFO-added ZnO exhibited a 100% removal of 10-ppm CPF within 45 min of visible-light irradiation and sustainable recycling ability for five consecutive runs at 97%. The sustainable performance of CFO/ZnO is ascribed to the suppression of photogenerated carriers and reduction of E by p-n nanoheterojunction formation. This study broadens the way for nanoheterojunction oxides for the destruction of pharmaceutical wastes under visible-light illumination. [Display omitted] •Simple synthesis of CoFe2O4/ZnO p-n heterojunction achieved.•CoFe2O4 boosted visible light absorbance, reduced bandgap and charge recombination.•Photodegradation of ciprofloxacin upsurged by 97 and 32 times compared ZnO and P25.•Full remediation of ciprofloxacin within 45 min by optimization of 3%CoFe2O4/ZnO dose.