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 Fe_2-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 Fe_2-x O₄ catalysts. Nd³⁺-doped CoFe₂O₄ played a role in the formation of radicals, including ˙OH, h⁺, and ˙O₂ ^-. With high recyclability and performance, CoNd_0.05Fe_1.95O₄ nanoparticles can be efficient and reusable photocatalysts for degrading organic dyes, including Rhodamine B from wastewaters.