Optimization of Fe3O4@SiO2/Ag/AgCl/CdS nanocomposite via response surface methodology: an efficient visible-light photocatalyst for methyl orange degradation

This study introduces a novel Fe3O4@SiO2/Ag/AgCl/CdS nanocomposite, designed for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO), serving as a proxy for synthetic water pollutants under visible light. A combination of co-precipitation, sol-gel, and photodeposition techniques was used to synthesize the desired nanocomposite. Leveraging the response surface methodology (RSM), we optimized the degradation process, achieving an unprecedented near-complete degradation efficiency of 99% within 90 min. The nanocomposite, characterized by an average diameter of 25 nm and uniform size distribution, demonstrated significant photocatalytic activity and stability, maintaining effectiveness over multiple usage cycles. Notably, the incorporation of Ag/AgCl alongside CdS not only extends the light absorption range but also facilitates charge separation, enhancing photocatalytic performance. Additionally, mineralization was confirmed by measuring the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values. This work not only presents a significant advancement in the field of photocatalyst for water purification but also introduces a scalable and effective approach for the development of next-generation photocatalysts. Our findings highlight the potential of magnetic nanocomposites in environmental remediation, offering a sustainable solution for the degradation of organic pollutants.