Photo-catalyst zinc ferrite-zinc oxide nanocomposites applicable for water purification under solar irradiation

In this study, ZnFe2O4, ZnO nanoparticles and nanocomposites of ZnFe2O4–ZnO (core-shell) have been made via simple coprecipitation manner which is a rapid, inexpensive and economical method, impact of green surfactants such as red pepper, black pepper, lemon, saffron, as well as carbohydrates like gelatin, poly vinyl pyrrolidone, glucose, on morphology of ZnFe2O4 were investigated. These surfactants are known as biodegradable and biocompatible factors, moreover, the effect of concentration, temperature and sediment agent on the surface characteristics of core magnetic have been studied and outcomes of SEM analysis indicated that the organic solvent of the red pepper possesses a great effect on diminishing size of nanoparticles. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis emphasized that ZnFe2O4 and desired nanocomposites possess super-paramagnetic property and analysis such as X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used to indicate pure nanoparticles and nanocomposites. As well photo-degradation of toxic dyes was applied under solar irradiation.