Magnetically separable ZnO-MnFe2O4 nanocomposites synthesized in organic-free media for dye degradation under natural sunlight

Abstract

Magnetically separable ZnO-MnFe2O4 nanocomposites were synthesized in organic-free media. The samples were characterized by several techniques. The photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites were tested by degradation of Rhodamine B and wastewater of batik dye under natural sunlight irradiation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of composites is well in agreement with the standard of the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO and spinel cubic phase of MnFe2O4. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image illustrates the morphology of the nanocomposites are square plate-like and porous. The magnetic properties of composites were characterized by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) show the superparamagnetic properties of all nanocomposites. Optical properties study indicated that addition of MnFe2O4 to ZnO decreases the band gap. The removal of Rhodamine B (10 mg L?1) and wastewater of batik dye solution by ZnO-MnFe2O4 (1:0.1) composite after 3 h reached 96.7% and 95.1 %.