Synthesis and characterization of photocatalytic TiO2 - ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles

Abstract

A new coprecipitation/hydrolysis synthesis route is used to create a TiO 2 - ZnFe 2 O4 nanocomposite that is directed towards extending the photoresponse of TiO 2 from UV to visible wavelengths ( >400 nm). The effect of TiO 2 's accelerated anatase-rutile phase transformation due to the presence of the coupled ZnFe 2 O4 narrow-bandgap semiconductor is evaluated. The transformation's dependence on pH, calcinations temperature, particle size, and ZnFe 2 O4 concentration has been analyzed using XRD, SEM, and UV-visible spectrometry. The requirements for retaining the highly photoactive anatase phase present in a ZnFe 2 O4 nanocomposite are outlined. The visible-light-activated photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 - ZnFe 2 O4 nanocomposites has been compared to an Aldrich TiO 2 reference catalyst, using a solar-simulated photoreactor for the degradation of phenol.