Synthesis and characterization of magnetic carbon dots (CDs)-based hybrid material as an adsorbent for the removal of organic dye from water

In recent years, the rapid advancement of materials science and the desire for new functions has led to an enormous demand for novel materials, which could be used in various applications. As a result, hybrid materials have gained the interest of the scientific community due to the infinite combinations of individual components, which could lead to materials with unique properties. In this study, a carbon dots (CDs)-CuFe₂O₄ nanohybrid material was successfully prepared through a solvothermal process and utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous environment. The nanohybrid material combines interactive surface functional groups due to CDs and high magnetic saturation due to CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, resulting in enhanced selectivity towards CR dye and easy separation after utilization with an external magnet. The as-prepared material was characterized by various techniques, including XRD, micro-Raman, FT-IR, HR-TEM/EDS, N₂ porosimetry, and SQUID. Finally, its capability in the removal efficiency of CR dye was investigated at different initial CR concentrations, contact times and pH values via UV–Vis spectroscopy.