Versatile platform of 3D/2D/1D:ZnFe₂O₄/NiAl-LDH/MWCNTs nanocomposite for photocatalytic purification of dinoseb and electrocatalytic O₂ evolution reaction

Integrating photocatalysis with electrocatalysis may represent a synergistic approach to address environmental and energy challenges. In this context, we explored synthesizing a series of nanocomposite materials using a solid-state approach involving simple grinding and subsequent thermal treatment for the photocatalytic purification of dinoseb and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution (OER). Interestingly, among the series of synthesized materials, 40 wt percentage of 3D/2D/1D:ZnFe₂O₄/NiAl-LDH/MWCNTs ternary nanocomposite (40-NZM) showed highly improved dinoseb detoxification and OER efficiencies compared to those of pure materials. Importantly, approximately 98% detoxification of dinoseb was observed within 75 min of irradiation time under a visible light source. Remarkably, the 40-NZM nanocomposite exhibited the highest rate constant value (k = 4.1 × 10⁻² min⁻¹) with a favorable R² (0.98) parameter. Furthermore, 40-NZM showed promising electrocatalytic OER performance, requiring only 217 mV of overpotential to achieve 10 mAcm⁻² of current density with a smaller Tafel slope of 66.6 mVdec⁻¹. Additionally, long-term stability was tested by recording 2000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. The results revealed that 40-NZM could maintain its catalytic activity for a longer duration as it required only 227 mV to attain 10 mAcm⁻² even after 2000 CV cycles. Consequently, these outstanding characteristics of 40-NZM nanocomposite underscore the significant potential for catalytic water purification and sustainable energy conversion.