Recent Advancements in Metal Ferrite Hybrid Photocatalysts for Wastewater Treatment Yogesh Kumar, Vidushi Karol, Abhishek Awasthi, Anshu Sharma, Vineet Kumar, et al. Trends in Sciences, 2026 Environmental pollution, especially water contamination, presents significant challenges to ecosystems, public health, and sustainability. Ferrite-based nanomaterials, specifically hybrids combining ferrites with several materials, have emerged as promising photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. These hybrids leverage ferrites’ unique structural, optical, and magnetic properties while addressing challenges such as electron-hole recombination, limited visible light absorption, and agglomeration. Recent advancements in synthesis techniques, including sol-gel, co-precipitation, and green methods, have enabled precise control over ferrite hybrid properties, enhancing photocatalytic efficiency and scalability. The integration of ferrites introduces synergistic effects, such as enhanced charge carrier separation, expanded light absorption into the visible spectrum, and enhanced surface area. Innovations like doping, plasmonic enhancement, and Z-scheme heterojunctions have further optimized these materials for efficient pollutant degradation. Studies have demonstrated their potential to degrade dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants under visible and solar light. Despite their promise, challenges remain in understanding the mechanisms of charge transfer, optimizing synthesis for large-scale production, and ensuring stability in real wastewater conditions. This review highlights the transformative potential of ferrite-based hybrids as scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for advanced wastewater treatment. Their development marks a crucial step toward mitigating water pollution and achieving global water sustainability goals. HIGHLIGHTS Different synthesis methods for metal ferrites and their effects on structure and morphology Structural, compositional, and operational factors affecting doped and undoped metal ferrite photocatalysis Critical evaluation of charge transfer mechanisms in various ferrite hybrids Comparative performance analysis of hybrid ferrites across various pollutants and light conditions Stability, regeneration, and scalability challenges in ferrite-based photocatalysis GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Geroprotective effects of bioactive compounds against hydroquinone toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster: an in vivo and in silico insight J Cherian, S Kunigiri, J Vegesna, PK Yadav, V Kumar Biogerontology 27 (3), 106 , 2026 2026
Naringin Exposure Enhanced Antioxidant Potential of Radish to Regulate Salt Stress I Verma, V Kumar, R Khosla, P Guleria Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 73 (2), 78 , 2026 2026
Hydroponic exposure of NaHS enhanced endogenous hydrogen sulfide to boost antioxidant potential and nitrogen assimilation for salt-stress tolerance in Luffa aegyptiaca A Firdoos, P Guleria, V Kumar Vegetos, 1-14 , 2026 2026
ROS Burst and Enhanced α-Amylase Activity Promoted Germination in Radish Seeds Nanoprimed with MgO-NPs S Chopra, V Kumar, P Guleria Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 73 (1), 4 , 2026 2026
Plant nanotechnology: fundamentals, applications, and challenges M Parbhakar, A Firdoos, P Guleria, V Kumar Role of Microbes in Ecosystem Processes and Environmental Management, 119-138 , 2026 2026
Nanoparticles for modulating plant immunity against pathogens: Mechanistic insights and prospects S Chopra, S Kaur, V Kumar, P Guleria Nano-Delivering Plant Biostimulants and Anti-Pathogenic Agents, 89-110 , 2026 2026
Recent Advancements in Metal Ferrite Hybrid Photocatalysts for Wastewater Treatment Y Kumar, V Karol, A Awasthi, A Sharma, V Kumar, K Singh Trends in Sciences 23 (4), 11805-11805 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Intelligent Nanotechnology in Plant Abiotic Stress Management S Chopra, S Chopra, V Kumar, P Guleria Intelligent Nanotechnology in Plant Science and Agriculture, 97-112 , 2026 2026
Flavonoids for Plant Development and Stress Tolerance P Guleria, G., Kumar, V., Taheri ISBN: 978-0-443-26795-6 1, DOI: 10.1016/C2023-0-52446-2 , 2026 2026
Phytohormonal regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis and associated stress tolerance of plants S Chopra, S Kaur, V Kumar, P Guleria Flavonoids for Plant Development and Stress Tolerance, 57-65 , 2026 2026
Legume Bioengineering: Balancing Food Demand and Global Climate Change P Guleria, V Kumar, B Mo CRC Press , 2025 2025
Magnesium Oxide NPs Mediated Downregulation of Chalcone Isomerase Reduced Growth and Antioxidant Potential of Vigna Radiata P Sharma, V Kumar, P Guleria Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 1-19 , 2025 2025
Tri-Metallic Ferrite TiO 2 –Al 2 O 3 –ZnFe 2 O 4 Nanocomposites Priming Promoted Growth of Raphanus sativus L. and Regulated Oxidative Stress in a … S Kaur, S Chopra, V Kumar, P Guleria Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 72 (5), 159 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Nanopriming with magnesium oxide nanoparticles enhanced antioxidant potential and nutritional richness of radish leaves grown in field A Gautam, LS Rusli, JS Yaacob, V Kumar, P Guleria Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 27 (10), 5529-5545 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Novel and effective biotechnological approaches for the management of environmental stresses in agriculture S Kaur, S Chopra, V Kumar, P Guleria Environmentally Safe Strategies for Plant Protection Against Biotic and … , 2025 2025
Application of biopolymers for plant protection M Kaur, P Guleria, K Singh, V Kumar Environmentally Safe Strategies for Plant Protection Against Biotic and … , 2025 2025
Magnesium oxide nanoparticles improved biochemical and antioxidant parameters of radish to induce salt stress tolerance A Gautam, V Kumar, P Guleria Plant Nano Biology, 100176 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Nano-Bionics Approach for Augmentation of Plant Functions A Barwal, S Chopra, S Chopra, S Kaur, V Kumar, P Guleria Nanobiotechnology in Agri-food Sector, 63-80 , 2025 2025
In vitro NaHS Exposure Induced Salt Stress Tolerance in Sponge Gourd A Firdoos, P Guleria, V Kumar Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 72 (3), 75 , 2025 2025
Isolation of ACC-deaminase producing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from Oryza sativa. D Bhagat, SG Sharma, P Guleria, V Kumar Environment Conservation Journal 26 (2) , 2025 2025
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Plant‐mediated synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their applications V Kumar, SK Yadav Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology 84 (2), 151-157 , 2009 2009 Citations: 1509
Gold nanoparticle exposure induces growth and yield enhancement in Arabidopsis thaliana V Kumar, P Guleria, V Kumar, SK Yadav Science of the Total Environment 461, 462-468 , 2013 2013 Citations: 365
Syzygium cumini leaf and seed extract mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their characterization V Kumar, SC Yadav, SK Yadav Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology 85 (10), 1301-1309 , 2010 2010 Citations: 351
Nanoencapsulation and characterization of Albizia chinensis isolated antioxidant quercitrin on PLA nanoparticles A Kumari, SK Yadav, YB Pakade, V Kumar, B Singh, A Chaudhary, ... Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 82 (1), 224-232 , 2011 2011 Citations: 157
Evaluating the toxicity of selected types of nanochemicals V Kumar, A Kumari, P Guleria, SK Yadav Reviews of environmental contamination and toxicology, 39-121 , 2011 2011 Citations: 142
Nanosensors for food quality and safety assessment V Kumar*, P Guleria, SK Mehta Environ Chem Lett 15, 165-177. DOI: 10.1007/s10311-017-0616-4 , 2017 2017 Citations: 141
Plant Extract Synthesized PLA Nanoparticles for Controlled and Sustained Release of Quercetin: A Green Approach A Kumari, V Kumar, SK Yadav PLoS ONE 7 (7), e41230 , 2012 2012 Citations: 128
Phytochemicals as steel corrosion inhibitor: an insight into mechanism N Bhardwaj, P Sharma, V Kumar Corrosion Reviews 39 (1), 27-41 , 2021 2021 Citations: 111
Green synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles for the electrochemical sensing of p-nitropheno V Kumar*, K Singh, S Panwar, SK Mehta Int Nano Lett 7, 123-131. DOI 10.1007/s40089-017-0205-3 , 2017 2017 Citations: 111
Nanotechnology: a tool to enhance therapeutic values of natural plant products SK Yadav, A Kumari, V Kumar Trends in Medical Research 7 (2), 34-42 , 2012 2012 Citations: 99
Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles and their environmental applications M Kaur, A Gautam, P Guleria, K Singh*, V Kumar* Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 100390 , 2022 2022 Citations: 88
Application of DNA-nanosensor for environmental monitoring: recent advances and perspectives V Kumar, P Guleria Current Pollution Reports 10 (4), 765-785 , 2024 2024 Citations: 73
Molecular dynamic simulation and Quantum chemical calculation of phytochemicals present in Beta vulgaris and electrochemical behaviour of Beta vulgaris peel extract as green … N Bhardwaj, P Sharma, L Guo, O Dagdag, V Kumar* Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 632, 127707 , 2022 2022 Citations: 73
Role of green chemistry in synthesis and modification of graphene oxide and its application: A review study J Singh, N Jindal, V Kumar*, K Singh* Chemical Physics Impact, 100185 , 2023 2023 Citations: 66
Molecular dynamic simulation, quantum chemical calculation and electrochemical behaviour of Punica granatum peel extract as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for stainless steel … N Bhardwaj, P Sharma, L Guo, O Dagdag, V Kumar* Journal of Molecular Liquids 346, 118237 , 2022 2022 Citations: 66
Monte Carlo simulation, molecular dynamic simulation, quantum chemical calculation and anti-corrosive behaviour of Citrus limetta pulp waste extract for stainless steel (SS-410 … N Bhardwaj, P Sharma, A Berisha, V Mehmeti, O Dagdag, V Kumar* Materials Chemistry and Physics 284, 126052 , 2022 2022 Citations: 62
Colorimetric sensing of Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution using magnesium oxide nanoparticles synthesized using green approach A Jain, S Wadhawan, V Kumar, SK Mehta Chemical Physics Letters 706, 53-61 , 2018 2018 Citations: 54
Magnesium oxide nanoparticles improved vegetative growth and enhanced productivity, biochemical potency and storage stability of harvested mustard seeds A Gautam, P Sharma, S Ashokhan, JS Yaacob, V Kumar*, P Guleria* Environmental Research, 116023 , 2023 2023 Citations: 51
Synthesis of Stable, Polyshaped Silver, and Gold Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract of Lonicera japonica L. V Kumar, SK Yadav International Journal of Green Nanotechnology 3 (4), 281-291 , 2011 2011 Citations: 45
Synthesis of different-sized silver nanoparticles by simply varying reaction conditions with leaf extracts of Bauhinia variegata L. V Kumar, SK Yadav IET Nanobiotechnol 6 (1), 1-8 , 2012 2012 Citations: 44