Mn-doped BaFe12O19 nanoparticles synthesis via micro-emulsion route: Solar light-driven photo-catalytic degradation of CV, MG and RhB dyes and antibacterial activity

A pristine and Mn-doped BaMnxFe12-xO19 (x =0.0–0.3) NMs were synthesized via a facile micro-emulsion route. The impact of substitution was assessed across various properties including structure, ferroelectric behavior, dielectric characteristics, photocatalytic performance, and antibacterial activity. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of a single-phase hexagonal structure of barium hexaferrite (BHF). The P-E analysis revealed the high coercivity, Remnant polarization and maximum polarization of doped materials versus pure BaFe12O19. Doping led to a reduction in the energy bandgap, consistent with the observed increase in polarization. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) of pure BaFe12O19 (BHF) was compared with highly substituted BaMn0.3Fe12O19 (BMHF5) for the degradation of Crystal Violet, Malachite Green and Rhodamine B dyes under visible light irradiation. The doped BMHF5 exhibited superior PCA (94.6, 92.2 and 96.5 (%) for CV, MG and RhB dyes, respectively). The doped material also showed promising antibacterial activity. Owing to the promising enhanced optical properties, BMHF5 has the potential for the treatment of wastewater under solar light irradiation.