One-Pot Microwave-Assisted Green Synthesis of Carbon-Embedded Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles to Enhance Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin with Mechanistic Insights

Green synthesis utilizing plants allows the development of an eco-friendly process for synthesis of nanomaterials, which can enhance the photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants. In the present study, cobalt ferrite (CF) nanoparticles were synthesized using Murraya koenigii leaf aqueous extract via microwave-assisted one-pot method for the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the cubic crystal structure of the CF nanoparticles. TEM analysis showed 7.8 nm particle size, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area was found to be 133.2 m2/g, which was mainly mesopore dominant. CF-64 showed a rate constant 3.1 times higher than that of bare iron oxide under solar light irradiation. The reusability and stability of CF nanoparticles were tested across five cycles, establishing their potential for effective photocatalytic activity. The CF-64 nanoparticles exhibited a magnetic saturation of 16.6 emu/g, allowing for easy magnetic recovery. The intermediate compounds were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and proposed CIP degradation pathway.