In-situ treated ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposites synthesized via microwave for enhanced Photo-Fenton photocatalysis and antimicrobial efficacy

The development of effective and cost-efficient photocatalysts is crucial for wastewater treatment. This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposites (ZnFe NCs) as novel photocatalysts for the removal of organic contaminates. We synthesized ZnFe NCs using a simple, environmentally friendly microwave-assisted method. Characterization was conducted using HR-TEM, SEM-EDS, XPS, and X-ray diffraction. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated with methylene blue (MB) and orange II (O-II) dyes, showing that ZnFe NCs with H2O2 achieved 98.2 % dye removal under 120 min of sunlight. This performance surpassed that of controls, including ZnO, Fe2O3, and ZnO/Fe2O3 alone. The study also determined optimal conditions for the photocatalysts, demonstrating enhanced photocatalytic activity. Antibacterial tests showed inhibition zones of 22 mm against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and 20 mm against Escherichia coli (E. coli) at 100 mg/mL. ZnFe NCs show dual potential for photocatalytic degradation and antimicrobial activity, ideal for wastewater treatment and microbial control.