Magnetic and visible light-induced novel green synthesized magnetic Co3O4 photocatalysts via sunflower seed meal extract for anionic and cationic dye removal by adsorption assisted photocatalytic degradation.

Abstract\nNovelty statementThis study was aimed at the preparation of m-Co3O4 NPs (magnetic Co3O4 nanoparticles) from sunflower seed meal (SFSM) which is the waste of sunflower seed oil factories, and their application as a photocatalyst for the adsorption assistant photocatalysis degradation of methylene blue (MB), and direct yellow-50 (DY-50) under the visible irradiations. Also, the photocatalytic performance of m-Co3O4 NPs was evaluated in synthetic wastewater. The produced m-Co3O4 NPs were ferromagnetic with a saturation magnetization value of 4.3 emu g−1 and the degradation of cationic MB and anionic DY-50 dyes by 100% and 93% in 20 min and 35 min, respectively, by adsorption-assisted photocatalytic process under visible light was achieved. The reactions were found to be pseudo-second-order equation for the adsorption-assisted photocatalytic process for both dyes. The photocatalytic activity of m-Co3O4 NPs decreased slightly even after five repeated cycles. These results show that the m-Co3O4 NPs can be used successfully in dye treatment in wastewater with their adsorption-assisted photocatalytic properties, activation by visible light, magnetic separability, and low-cost production.A novel synthesis method was developed that utilizes sunflower seed waste to synthesize m-Co3O4 NPs without additives, is cheap for industrial applications, is suitable for scale-up, and requires less time. In addition, this study was the first to perform the extraction process for sunflower seed meal without any heating. The magnetic and visible-light-induced m-Co3O4 NPs were synthesized in SFSM extract with the green combustion method. Operating parameters such as the variable effect of solution pH, different initial dye concentrations, photocatalyst dosage, and reusability were systematically investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]