Preparation and characterization of magnetic zirconium oxide nanocomposite as a catalyst for reduction of methylene blue

Abstract

In this work, magnetic zirconium oxide (ZrO2/Fe3O4) nanocomposites were synthesized in different mass ratio as (1:1), (3:2), (5:2) and (7:2) and fairly characterized by various techniques like; X-ray diffraction, X-ray energy dispersion analysis, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Characterization results showed the prepared nanocomposite had stable core/shell structure in nanometer scale, 12 nm, with magnetically property that nominate it for catalytic application in chemical reactions. The prepared nanocomposites were evaluated in the reduction reaction of methylene blue and in the presence of NaBH4 as a catalyst. Observed results revealed that the ZrO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites in mass ratio as 5:2 exhibited remarkable catalytic activity with excellent reusability. Obtained results are presented and discussed here.