Improve sonocatalytic performance using modified semiconductor catalyst SnO₂ and ZrO₂ by magnetite materials

Modifying semiconductor catalysts using magnetic materials could enhance the efficiency of wastewater removal and the separation efficiency demonstrated in our previous studies. The catalytic performance of wide band gap ZrO₂ and SnO₂ semiconductors has not been studied with regard to the ultrasonic radiation catalytic process. Therefore, the ultrasound-assisted sonocatalytic performance of ZrO₂ and SnO₂ semiconductors combined with Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) nanoparticles has been studied using methylene blue as a model organic pollutant. The nanocomposites were synthesized using sol-gel methods. The structural properties of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Sample morphology was obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic properties of the samples were characterized using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The cubic spinel structure of Fe₃O₄ is successfully identified, as are the tetragonal structures from SnO₂ and ZrO₂. The samples exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. Both ZrO₂ and SnO₂ combined with Fe₃O₄ show better sonocatalytic efficiency than without Fe₃O₄ and even better efficiency than the pioneering wide band gap semiconductor TiO₂. The combination of magnetite nanoparticles with SnO₂ exhibit the highest degradation efficiency. The incorporation of magnetic material into catalysts has been proved to enhance the reusability of catalysts with efficient separation process.