Magnetically recyclable CuFe2O4/ TiO2 photocatalysts for UV-driven degradation of reactive Yellow BF-4G in aqueous media

Abstract

Magnetic CuFe2O4/TiO2 heterojunctions with varying mass ratios were synthesized via the polymeric precursor method and applied to the photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Yellow BF-4G under UV irradiation. Structural characterization confirmed the coexistence of CuFe2O4, α-Fe2O3, CuO, and TiO2 polymorphs (anatase and rutile). The introduction of CuFe2O4 promoted anatase stabilization and significantly reduced the crystallite size of TiO2, as evidenced by XRD, Rietveld refinement, and SEM analyses. Among the tested materials, the F2T1 sample (66.7 % CuFe2O4 and 33.3 % TiO2) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving complete dye removal within 45 min. Kinetic analysis showed pseudo-first-order behavior, and scavenger experiments identified hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as the main reactive species. The F2T1 catalyst also demonstrated excellent stability over five reuse cycles, with magnetic recovery ensuring practical applicability. These results highlight the effectiveness of CuFe2O4/TiO2 composites as multifunctional photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, combining enhanced activity, structural synergy, and recyclability.