Envisioning the modifications in spinel nanoferrites for improved characteristics with enhanced catalytic performance for environmental remediation

Abstract

The appealing physical and chemical properties of spinel nanoferrites such as stability, facile synthesis, magnetic separation and ease of modifying them using different organic/inorganic moieties makes them a favorable nanomaterial to be utilized for the purpose of wastewater treatment. Several studies accentuate the need of modification of spinel nanoferrites that leads to fine tuning of their structural and surface properties for cost effective and convenient wastewater treatment. But, despite much work on doping of spinel nanoferrites, the literature is still lacking on analyzing the detailed impact of incorporating different metal ion on to the catalytic aspects of spinel nanoferrites. Also, the research investigating the catalytic proficiency of ternary composites of spinel nanoferrites for the removal of recalcitrant pollutants is still in its nascent stage. There is a lot of scope to examine the simultaneous effect of doping spinel nanoferrites, immobilizing them over carbonaceous matrices or functionalization of their surface using different polymers. Thus the future research endeavor needs to be focused on the development of advanced heterostructure of spinel nanoferrites that could be proficiently employed as catalyst for eradication pollutants. The facile magnetic recovery of the materials needs to be focused throughout in order to maintain cost effectiveness of the materials. newline