Photocatalytic degradation of Maxilon C.I. basic dye using CS/CoFe₂O₄/GONCs as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst prepared by gamma irradiation

Highlights: • CS/CF/GONCs were synthesized via γ-irradiation and used as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst. • It can degrade Maxilon C.I. basic dye under sunlight irradiation. • A possible degradation pathway of Maxilon C.I. Basic was proposed. • The degradation of Maxilon follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. • The catalyst can be separated by an external magnetic field. • Cyclic degradation tests show the catalyst is highly active, stable and recoverable. - Abstract: CS/CF/GONCs were synthesized via gamma irradiation cross-linking method with the aid of sonication. The nanocomposites exhibited a photo-Fenton catalytic feature for the degradation of Maxilon C.I. basic dye in aqueous medium using sunlight. The effects of pH, H₂O₂ concentration, and dosage of the catalyst, on the degradation rates of the dyes were examined. The optimal degradation rate was reached with 10 mM H₂O₂ at pH 9.5. It was verified that the Maxilon C.I. basic dye degradation rate fits a pseudo-first-order kinetics for different initial concentrations of Maxilon C.I. dye. Fourth cyclic tests for Maxilon C.I. degradation showed that the magnetic catalyst was very stable, recoverable, highly active, and easy to separate using an external magnet. Hence, this magnetic catalyst has potential use in organic pollutant removal.