Photodegradation of Rhodamine B by using ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized through Precipitation Method

Abstract

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized through precipitation method from the mixed aqueous solution of ferric nitrate and zinc nitrate. The precipitate was calcined at the temperature of 600, 700, and 800 °C for 3 hours to obtain crystalline nature. The effects of calcination temperature on the properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were investigated. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and UV-vis spectrophotometer, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles was examined to Rhodamine B degradation in water under UV irradiation. The results show that the calcination temperature influences on ZnFe2O4 phase, crystallite size, and the energy gap of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles calcined at 700 °C shows the best photocatalytic activity to Rhodamine B degradation due to smaller crystallite size and higher absorption.