Photocatalytic Degradation of the Rhodamine B Dye Under Visible Light Using Ni_xCu_(1-x)Fe₂O₄ Synthesized by EDTA-Citrate Complexation Method

The Ni_xCu_(1-x)Fe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.8, 1) mixed nickel and copper ferrites were synthesized using the EDTA-Citrate complexation method and calcined at 700°C. The structure, properties and characterization of the samples were analyzed by DRX, Rietveld refinement, SEM, and DRE UV-Vis, indicating the phase formation of tetragonal (CuFe₂O₄ and Ni_0.2Cu_0.8Fe₂O₄) and cubic (Ni_0.8Cu_0.2Fe₂O₄ and NiFe₂O₄). The materials exhibited morphologies suitable for photocatalytic applications and a UV-Vis absorption range near 2 eV as expected for spinel ferrites. These materials were evaluated as photocatalysts for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye under heterogeneous photocatalysis conditions, simulating solar light irradiation, air injection, and different pH levels (2, 6, and 10). The results showed that the catalytic efficiency was higher for samples with a higher copper content and in a basic medium. Therefore, Ni_xCu_(1-x)Fe₂O₄ mixed ferrites have promising potential as photocatalysts.

Keywords:
Mixed nickel and copper ferrites; EDTA-Citrate; heterogeneous photocatalysis; Rhodamine B