A comprehensive review on the advancement of transition metals incorporated on functional magnetic nanocomposites for the catalytic reduction and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

In the present era, the escalation of environmental pollution has become manifold due to diverse anthropogenic activities. Among the myriad challenges confronting humanity today, organic pollutants emerge as one of the most significant nuisances plaguing our populace. Removing tenacious pollutants from water bodies is indispensable for the long-term viability of our planet. Several measures have been proposed and applied for their abatement. The search for cost-effective, high-efficiency, and the recyclable nanocatalysts has emerged as a pivotal concern within the realm of heterogeneous photocatalysis. In this regard, the production of magnetite (Fe3O4) based nanocatalysts has emerged as a viable option for reducing and degrading various organic pollutants due to their desirable characteristics such as low cost, low band gap, high performance, stability, and recyclability. To enhance their effectiveness, magnetite can be functionalized with a range of materials including polymers, carbonaceous materials, inorganic, and organic molecules, after which transition metal nanoparticles can be deposited on the surface to create the nanocatalyst. These techniques overcomes many of the obstacles that traditional technologies encounter by being both environmentally friendly and highly efficient in decomposing many hazardous organic pollutants. This review examines in detail the exceptional stability and high catalytic efficiency of such nanocatalysts in the reduction and photodegradation of organic pollutants. Additionally, the review briefly describes the mechanism of photocatalytic degradation and reduction, the impact of scavengers, and the identification of various intermediates involved in photocatalytic degradation and catalytic reduction. The review also highlights factors affecting photocatalytic degradation,reusability and cost-effectiveness of nanocatalyst. We are confident that this review will provide valuable insights into the functionalization of Fe3O4 MNPs, offering readers a new perspective and encourages young researcher to work in this field.