Recent advancements in CaFe2O4-based composite: Properties, synthesis, and multiple applications

Metal ferrites like nickel ferrite, copper ferrite, zinc ferrite, cobalt ferrite, and other ferrites are highly abundant and used as catalysts in various transformations. However, CaFe 2 O 4 is the most abundant alkali metal ferrite, which is eco-friendly and non-toxic. CaFe 2 O 4 is a superparamagnetic material that can be easily recovered from the reaction media due to its magnetic properties. Therefore, it has been widely used in numerous applications, such as dye degradation, removal of heavy metal ions, transesterification reaction, gas sensing, photocatalytic water splitting, drug delivery, etc. In this review, (1) magnetic properties and crystal structure of spinal CaFe 2 O 4 are discussed, (2) potential applications of CaFe 2 O 4 are discussed, and (3) various synthesis techniques of CaFe 2 O 4 are demonstrated. CaFe 2 O 4 shows photocatalytic properties due to its narrow band gap (1.9 eV), abundant functional group, and high surface area. It is found that CaFe 2 O 4 possesses a remarkable potential for energy and environmental remediation. In this review, we have added the photocatalytic mechanism of various pollutants. At last, future perspectives are given for developing novel, sustainable CaFe 2 O 4 or CaFe 2 O 4 -based nanocomposite.