Shining light on environmental remediation: a type-II heterojunction MnFe₂O₄/rGO nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and bisphenol A

In this study, the pressing issue of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater was addressed by designing and fabricating a magnetically separable MnFe₂O₄/rGO heterostructure catalyst for efficient mineralization of bisphenol A (BPA) and dyes such as alizarin red S (anionic) and malachite green (cationic), which are known for their resistance to biodegradation and carcinogenic properties. Comprehensive structural and surface analyses using XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM/HRTEM coupled with magnetic and optical property measurements revealed the formation of the MnFe₂O₄/rGO heterostructures. Among all, the MnFe₂O₄/rGO-10 catalyst with 10% wt% of rGO exhibited 100% efficiency in the mineralization of BPA and both dyes under visible light illumination within 60 min. The stability and recyclability of the catalyst, assessed through XRD and VSM studies, demonstrated its consistent performance over multiple uses. The cost-effectiveness and stability of this catalyst underscore its potential for practical application in wastewater treatment, offering a viable solution to the persistent challenge of removing stubborn organic contaminants.