Hydrothermal method for synthesizing ZnFe^sub 2^O^sub 4^ nanoparticles, photo-degradation of Rhodamine B by ZnFe^sub 2^O^sub 4^ and thermal stable PS-based nanocomposite

Abstract

In this work at the first step, ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrothermal method. It was investigated that the size and morphology of ZnFe₂O₄ was affected by the ligand and reductant agent. 2-hydroxyacetophenone was used as a good capping agent to produce uniform rice-like nanostructure. The prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Alternating gradient force magnetometer was demonstrated ferromagnetic behavior of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The photocatalytic behavior of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticle (band gap 2 eV) was evaluated using the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation (81 %). A composite was obtained while the ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were added to polystyrene. The influence of ZnFe₂O₄ on the thermal properties of polymer matrix was studied using thermogravimetry analysis. Thermal decomposition of the polystyrene was shifted towards higher temperature (60 °C) in the presence of the ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles.