Photocatalytic Nanojunction of Cobalt Ferrite Anchored Sulfonated Graphene for Reduction of Nitrophenols

A coprecipitation method was employed to synthesize a CoFe2O4 anchored sulfonated graphene nanojunction for visible light photocatalytic reduction of 2-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and 2,4,6trinitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4. The effect of the extent of anchoring of CoFe2O4 on the catalytic performance of the nanojunction was investigated. Photoreduction of all the nitrophenols was studied at different pH range. The performance of the catalyst in the presence of different cations, anions, and scavengers was also studied. The amount of NaBH4 and reduction time is significantly lowered in the presence of this nanocatalyst. This nanojunction exhibits a superior magnetic property and can be easily separated from the reaction mixture, exhibits good stability, has better reusability, and could be a potential candidate in wastewater treatment.