Investigating the Role of Aluminum Doping on the Bandgap Modulation and Photocatalytic Efficiency of Strontium Nickel Ferrites for Ciprofloxacin Degradation

This study investigated aluminum-doped strontium nickel ferrite nanoparticles for ciprofloxacin degradation under visible-light irradiation. XRD analysis confirmed the spinel cubic structure, with crystallite size decreasing as Al content increased. SEM revealed increased porosity at higher Al doping levels. FTIR showed shifts in metal–oxygen stretching vibrations with increasing Al content. The bandgap decreased with Al doping. BET analysis showed increased surface area with Al doping. The optimal photocatalyst achieved significant ciprofloxacin removal under visible light. Scavenger analysis identified the primary reactive species. Photodegradation followed first-order kinetics. Increasing temperature improved the degradation efficiency. The catalyst exhibited good reusability over multiple cycles. The addition of H₂O₂ enhanced the degradation process. This study demonstrates the potential of Al-doped strontium nickel ferrite as an efficient and durable photocatalyst for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment using solar energy.