Research Progress and Prospects of Spinel Ferrite Nanostructures for the Removal of Nitroaromatics from Wastewater

Spinel ferrite nanostructures have played significant roles in the development of materials science and technology. Spinel ferrite nanostructures possess not only promising magnetic properties but also high resistivity, stability, and low eddy current losses. The recent progress in the utilization of spinel ferrite nanostructures for water remediation is reviewed with special emphasis on the adsorption, transformation, degradation, and catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics. Then, the structure–property relationships and design considerations of spinel ferrite nanostructures for catalytic applications are discussed in detail. Insights into the details of the various removal processes on the model spinel ferrite nanostructures are provided with a basic concept of nitroaromatics remediation. Subsequently, reaction kinetics and mechanisms are classified and their advantages and disadvantages are described. Lastly, challenges and future perspectives of spinel ferrite nanostructures for their practical applications are presented. With further advancement, spinel ferrites have potential to be practically utilized for a wide range of applications such as water treatment plants.