Magnetically separable and visible light-active Ag/NiCo_2O_4 nanorods prepared by a simple route for superior photodegradation of atrazine in water

Atrazine(ATZ) is a known herbicide used in agriculture and caused many concerns according to its toxicity.Herein,we have prepared NiCo_2 O_4 nanorods that can work as a photocatalyst under visible light exposure by Ag loading through a simple route.The characterizations revealed the role of Ag for improving the structural,optical and optoelectronic properties of the produced photocatalyst.The Ag loading with 5 wt% confirms the minimization of the bandgap from 3.6 down to 2.57 eV with enhanced visible light absorption and sustaining the magnetic properties.The Ag/NiCo_2 O_4 nanorods showed a superior photodegradation of ATZ within 20 min at2.0 g L~(-1) with excellent recyclability.The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity is referred to the local surface plasmon resonance of Ag-loaded photocatalyst.This reduces the electron-hole recombination and outperforms the unloaded sample.This work is highlighting the application of magnetically separable spinel photocatalysts for the removal of herbicides and water remediation.