Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of MWCNTs decorated with Zn-substituted MnFe2O4 nanoparticles using waste batteries extract

Abstract

Mn1-xZnxFe2O4 (x=0.2-0.8) nano-crystals, synthesized from recycling of Zn-C batteries, were successfully self-assembled alongside multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via an environmentally friend sucrose auto-combustion method. The effect of Zn-content on structural and magnetic properties were investigated and discussed. XRD revealed the formation of single-phase ferrites. DTA-TG experiment showed that the auto-combustion reaction finished at about 350 °C. TEM exhibited that the MWCNTs are well decorated with ferrite particles. Hysteresis loop measurements revealed ferromagnetic behavior, with saturation magnetization decrease by the addition of MWCNTs or increasing Zn-Content. The kinetics of methylene blue dye (MB) removal using MWCNTs/Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O nano-composite was investigated and discussed.