Visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene-violet by rGO/Fe₃O₄/ZnO ternary nanohybrid structures

A novel ternary nanohybrid structure was constructed with reduced graphene-oxide/iron-oxide/zinc-oxide (rGO/Fe₃O₄/ZnO) via a facile hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological and optical properties were explored using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectra and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The functional groups of ternary nanohybrid were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. SEM images confirm the presence of two-dimensional GO sheets, one dimensional Fe₃O₄ and ZnO nanorods. The PL spectra showed the quenching effect which has been observed from the reduction of electron–hole recombination in hybrid. Degradation efficiency of this system was evaluated and compared with pure ZnO and Fe₃O₄/ZnO. Under visible light condition, the ternary nanohybrid has shown an excellent photocatalytic degradation of methylene-violet dye. The degradation efficiency of rGO/Fe₃O₄/ZnO was systematically analyzed by absorption spectra and total organic carbon removal techniques. Our experimental results will show the potential way for the development of futuristic rGO based nanohybrids as an effective photocatalytic materials for waste-water treatment and environmental remedial applications. - Graphical abstract: A new ternary nanohybrid has been constructed with 1D Fe₃O₄–ZnO and 2D rGO sheets to utilize as visible-light photocatalyst. Highly active photocatalyst has been prepared by a feasible hydrothermal approach. For the first time, rGO/Fe₃O₄/ZnO ternary nanohybrid exhibits a superior photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene-violet (dye) and the same can be used for environmental remediation applications. - Highlights: • Ternary nanohybrid constructed with 1D ZnO, Fe₃O₄ and 2D rGO. • Aggregation free rGO/Fe₃O₄/ZnO nanohybrid exhibits superior photocatalytic activity. • rGO boost up photo charge carrier separation in rGO/Fe₃O₄/ZnO nanohybrid. • Dye degradation was monitored by UV–vis and TOC removal.