Laboratory and industrial dye wastewater treatment using ZIF-11/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite as photocatalyst

In this study, ZIF-11/NiFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites were synthesized with different loadings of nickel ferrite (0.3–0.9 mmol) and investigated by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA, TEM, and BET. The results indicate the preservation of the original structure of ZIF-11 along with the successful incorporation of nickel ferrite. A significant decrease in the specific surface area compared to ZIF-11 was observed due to the occupation of pores by nickel ferrite. The presence of nickel ferrite increased the light absorption in the visible range. Comp 0.7 sample with a band gap of 1.73 eV showed the best photocatalytic performance in 93 % degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation, pH 9, and a time of 90 min. This sample exhibited excellent structural stability and demonstrated effective recyclability in five consecutive cycles, making it suitable for repeated use in practical applications. Results by real wastewater from Semnan's Kork Nakh textile factory showed efficiencies of 68.43 % under sunlight and 51.28 % under artificial light, confirming the practical application of the nanocomposite. This simple synthesis offers a cost-effective and efficient catalyst for industrial wastewater treatment and is a suitable option for future applications. • A simple and low-cost synthesis route for the synthesis of ZIF-11/NiFe₂O₄. • Comp 0.7 exhibited excellent MB degradation under visible light. • The composite showed superparamagnetic properties. • Comp 0.7 retained high performance after five reuse cycles. • Effective for industrial wastewater treatment under sunlight.