Environmental Remediation: Removal of Binary of Cationic and Anionic Dyes Using Nickel‐Doped Calcium Ferrite 800°C Photocatalyst

ABSTRACT This research depicts a low‐cost, low‐complexity approach for the discoloring of wastewater from the dyeing and textile industry. We have synthesized NCF‐800 C photocatalyst (nickel‐doped calcium ferrite, calcined at 800°C for 1 h) by the auto‐combustion method (ACM). The NCF‐800 C was tested for photocatalytic activity by degradation of cationic Malachite Green (MG) and anionic Coomassie Brilliant Blue R‐250 (BBR) dyes in a water‐based solution using sunlight irradiation. The sample was analyzed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy with Energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (FESEM‐EDS) for its structural characterization. Several aspects of the effects on degradation efficiency have been studied, including solution pH, dye concentration, initial dosage of the catalyst, and contact time. NCF‐800 C demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic performance, achieving 97.35% degradation for MG and 96.75% for BBR, highlighting its exceptional photocatalytic activity. NCF‐800 C photocatalyst was developed with exceptional properties, making it useful for the degradation of organic pollutants. It absorbs light efficiently, having a band gap of 1.86 eV, which improves the photocatalytic activity. Even after five cycles, the NCF‐800 C photocatalyst maintains its catalytic efficiency and showing its long‐term stability.