Nickel substituted MgFe2O4 nanoparticles via co-precipitation method for photocatalytic applications

• Published in: Physica. B, Condensed matter Vol. 606; p. 412660
• Main Authors: Ajeesha, T., A, Ashwini, George, Mary, Manikandan, A., Mary, J. Arul, Slimani, Y., Almessiere, M.A., Baykal, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.04.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Catalytic activity; Chemical precipitation; Chemical synthesis; Co-precipitation method; Coprecipitation; Crystallites; Energy gap; Ferrimagnetism; Magnesium ferrites; Magnetic fields; Magnetic properties; Methylene blue; Nanoparticles; Nickel; Optical properties; Optical studies; Photocatalysis; Photocatalytic degradation; Room temperature; Spinel; Spinel ferrites; Studies; Wastewater treatment; Water treatment; Photocatalytic degradation; Co-precipitation method; Optical studies; Spinel ferrites; Magnetic properties; Methylene blue
• ISSN: 0921-4526; 1873-2135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2020.412660

Spinel Mg1-xNixFe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.6, 1.0) nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method and were studied their structural, magnetic, optical and photocatalytic properties. XRD and TEM analysis was confirmed the cubic spinel phase belonging to the space group Fd3m and the average crystallite size (D) is around 20–30 nm. The magnetic studies at room temperature were recorded using VSM and the loops obtained results indicated ferrimagnetism. The optical studies showed absorption activity in the visible region, thus making the synthesized materials suitable for photocatalytic applications and was tested by applying it for the degradation of methylene blue. Increased the amount nickel substitution, photocatalytic activity is enhanced due to their narrow band gap energy making it suitable for waste water treatment. •Mg1-xNixFe2O4 NPs was synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method.•XRD analysis confirmed the cubic spinel phase belonging to space group Fd3m.•Pore size distribution calculated from Barrett-Joyner- Halenda (BJH) method.•Magnetic studies of the samples indicated ferrimagnetism behavior.•Spinel Mg0.4Ni0.6Fe2O4 showed higher photocatalytic activity.