Efficient photodegradation of Rhodamine B dye assisted by Pigskin-Gel via sustainable synthesis of Fe₂O₃@rGO nanocrystals with magnetically separable properties

This study successfully synthesized Fe₂O₃@rGO nanocrystals using a straightforward sol-gel method in a pigskin-gel (gelatin type A) environment. The fabricated nanocomposites include Fe₂O₃-linked nanosheets in a reduced graphene oxide-like double tetrahedral pyramid (DTP) structure and Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals resembling Cheetos puffs (CPs). The Fe₂O₃@rGO material was characterized through a variety of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, nitrogen physisorption, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic efficiency of Fe₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃@rGO samples in demineralizing rhodamine B in an aqueous solution was thoroughly evaluated. Remarkably, the Fe₂O₃@rGO composites exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity and degradation efficiency compared to pure Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals. The improved performance can be attributed to effective electron transport between the reduced graphene oxide and the semiconductors, effectively reducing electron-hole recombination. Additionally, the Fe₂O₃@rGO nanocrystals demonstrated excellent magnetic properties, enabling easy separation and recovery after five cycles of reusability testing. These findings highlight the promising potential of this magnetic nano photocatalyst for efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment applications, particularly in the degradation of rhodamine B.