Synthetic studies of zinc-doped cadmium aluminum ferrite for the photocatalytic degradation of atrazine

In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of zinc-doped cadmium aluminum ferrite Zn_xCd_X−1Al_0.1Fe_1.9O₄ (X = 0,0.3) nanoparticles were investigated for the degradation of atrazine. The nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method, and their structural, morphological, and optical properties were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated under visible-light irradiation, and the influence of various parameters, such as Zn doping concentration, initial atrazine concentration, pH, temperature, catalyst dose, light intensity, and addition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), was investigated. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in atrazine degradation with Zn-doped cadmium aluminum ferrite, achieving a removal efficiency of 93% compared with 75% for undoped cadmium aluminum ferrite at normal conditions. Scavenger analysis suggested that hydroxyl radicals (OH˙) played a crucial role in the photodegradation process. These findings contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for the degradation of atrazine and other organic pollutants.