Insights into the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of congo red using advanced BaDyxFe12−xO19 catalytic hexamaterials

Water pollution from the industrial dyes is a serious hazard to ecosystems, and addressing this issue is a significant challenge. To address these issues, we are fabricated BaDy_xFe_12-xO₁₉ (x = 0.02 to 0.06) by sol-gel auto-ignition (SGA) technique. Several characterizations were used to scrutinize the structural, optical, photocatalytic, and magnetic traits of the produced samples. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the sample revels the hexagonal crystal structure. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) of both samples reveal the existence of agglomerated grains showing hexagonal shapes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirm the oxidation state of every element present in the synthesized nanomaterials. The specific surface area was found to be 1.069 m²/g for BDF1 and 1.466 m²/g for BDF3. The band gap of the BDF1, BDF2, and BDF3 samples are found 2.16, 2.12, and 1.99 eV. The photocatalytic efficacy of the catalysts was examined by removal of the CR in natural light. A notable degradation efficiency of 89.29% are achieved by the BDF3 catalyst within 90 minutes under natural sunlight irradiation. The results demonstrate a straightforward and efficient approach for producing photocatalytic materials that are highly effective for the elimination of dye pollutants in wastewater treatment.