Green synthesis and characterisation of superparamagnetic Cu _0.25 Zn _0.75 Fe ₂ O ₄ nanoparticles and investigation of their photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Cu0.25Zn0.75Fe2O4 MNPs were synthesised by the sol-gel method and their characterisation was investigated by FTIR, XRD, DRS, BET, VSM, FESEM, EDX/Map, and TEM. The XRD pattern confirmed that the prepared nanoparticles are in the cubic phase. The synthesised nanocatalyst was used as a photocatalyst under visible light and at room temperature to remove reactive blue 222 dye as a pollutant. The optimum condition for the degradation reaction was obtained as catalyst amount of 40 mg, time 45 min and RB 222 concentration of 20 mg/L. Due to the magnetic properties of Cu0.25Zn0.75Fe2O4 MNPs, its separation from the solution and its reuse was investigated, which showed very little change in the quality of the catalyst after six uses. The unique features of the catalyst are its environmental friendliness due to its green synthesis, low cost, magnetic properties, high stability and reuse for many times.