Synthesis of new CuO/La2CoFe2O7 nanocomposite, and investigation of Its photocatalytic property in removing organic dye

Some novel CuO (x)/La2CoFe2O7 (x=0-70%) nanocomposites were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The formation of CuO (x)/La2CoFe2O7 (x=0-70%) nanocomposites was verified via various methods such as XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, UV-VIS, VSM, and photoluminescence. A transmission electron microscope images show spherical particles such as La2CoFe2O7 and CuO (60%)/LCoFO with average grain sizes of 30 and 20 nm, respectively. VSM images show that the coercivity and saturation magnetization of this sample are about 137.53 Oe and 95.284 emu/g.The photocatalytic activity of CuO/La2CoFe2O7 (CuO/LCoFO) nanoparticles was investigated by photodegradation under UV light irradiation and under optimized conditions of dye concentration (1.5 × 10-3 M), pH (= 6), irradiation time (50 min), and catalyst dose (7.0 g/L). Nanocomposite 60% shows the highest photocatalytic activity compared to pure LCoFO nanocomposite and other photocatalysts. A non-toxic, cheap, and highly active CuO (60%)/LCoFO nanocomposite photocatalyst was proposed to remove Methyl green (MG) and Basic fuchsin (BF) dyes under UV light irradiation. Research Highlights • Novel CuO (x)/La2CoFe2O7 (x=0-70100%) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized • Novel CuO (x)/La2CoFe2O7 (x=0-70%) nanoparticles Used as a catalyst • These nanocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic activity • These nanocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic activity for in removing organic dyes • These nanocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic activity for in removing organic dyes • CuO(60%)LCoFO nanocomposite showed the highest MG and BF dye removal among the synthesized nanocomposites