Efficient and recyclable Nd3+-doped CoFe2O4 for boosted visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye

Rare earth metal doping spinel ferrites offer excellent electronic, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties, but they have not been well explored for environmental mitigation. Herein, we report the facile fabrication of novel CoNd x Fe2-x O4 (x = 0-0.05) photocatalysts based on Nd3+ incorporated into CoFe2O4 for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The Nd3+ dopant considerably increased the specific surface area (35 m2 g-1) and enhanced the degradation performance (94.7%) of CoNd x Fe2-x O4 catalysts. Nd3+-doped CoFe2O4 played a role in the formation of radicals, including ˙OH, h+, and ˙O2-. With high recyclability and performance, CoNd0.05Fe1.95O4 nanoparticles can be efficient and reusable photocatalysts for degrading organic dyes, including Rhodamine B from wastewaters.