Highly efficient visible light photocatalysis of Nix Zn1-x Fe2O4 (x= 0, 0.3, 0.7) nanoparticles: Diclofenac degradation mechanism and eco-toxicity

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products occupy a predominant position with respect to both utility and release into the ecosystem, thereby contributing to environmental pollution at alarming rates. Of the several methods identified to minimize the concentration of PPCPs, nanomaterial based photocatalysis seems to be a potential alternative for it being highly economical and eco-friendly. In this study, we synthesized Nickel zinc ferrite (Ni-ZF) [Nix Zn1-x Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.7)] nanoparticles with an average diameter of ∼400 nm by a co-precipitation method towards diclofenac degradation. The composite showed greater degrees of crystallinity devoid of any impurities. Nearly complete DCF degradation (∼99%) was achieved after 50 min reaction time with the nanoparticles at pH 7 for an initial DCF concentration of 50 mg/L. The degradation process followed a pseudo first-order rate law with the rate constant of 0.1657 min− 1. Microbial toxicity and phytotoxicity studies demonstrated negligible toxicity imposed by the contaminated water treated with the prepared composite, suggesting it as a promising photocatalyst benefitting in all aspects. [Display omitted] •Nix Zn1-x Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.7) (Ni-ZF) degrades diclofenac (DCF) efficiently.•Nickel doping improves DCF degradation efficiency.•Kinetics and pathways of DCF degradation were elucidated.•Recyclability and stability favor several applications.