Green synthesis of CdFe₂O₄ by Terminalia catappa leave extract for photodegradation methyl red dye by response surface methodology

Green synthesis using plant extracts is an eco-friendly approach that reduces the hazards associated with chemical usage. This study aimed to synthesize a CdFe2O4 ferrite compound utilizing Terminalia catappa leaves extract and evaluate its photocatalytic efficiency in degrading Methyl red dye. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the synthesis of CdFe2O4, which has a crystallite size mean of 18.10 nm. The composite exhibits magnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 28.34 emu/g, a band gap of 1.78 eV, and a BET surface area of 84.23 m2/g. The optimal photodegradation process was determined using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on an experiment with Central Composite Design (CCD). The variables examined included the solution pH, the initial concentration of the dye, and the irradiation time. The interplay of three variables demonstrated their reciprocal influence on photodegradation efficiency. The quadratic model is appropriate for modeling the photodegradation of Methyl red dye. The photodegradation efficiency of 96.56% is achieved under optimal conditions, which include a pH of 6.33, an initial dye concentration of 39.93 mg/L, and an irradiation time of 52.26 min. Empirical investigations on the reusability of CdFe2O4 have shown remarkable stability. Experimental kinetics confirm that the pseudo-first-order model is a suitable description for the photodegradation of Methyl red dye by CdFe2O4.