Enhanced photocatalytic activity of sponge-like ZnFe2O4 synthesized by solution combustion method

A kind of cubic ZnFe2O4 with spinel structure was synthesized by an improved solution combustion method via a facile and environmentally friendly pathway and their photocatalytic activity under visible light radiation was investigated. The particle synthesized under the ignition temperature of 573 K has a pure phase. While a small amount impurities, alpha-Fe2O3 and ZnO, were formed in the sample during the combustion process at higher ignition temperature of 623 K. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 has a sponge-like porous structure and wide absorption in the visible-light region. The impurities alpha-Fe2O3 and ZnO formed in the sample probably enhance the reduction and oxidation ability and promote the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. Comparing with ZnFe2O4 synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction, the ZnFe2O4 derived by solution combustion method showed the better photocatalytic activity under visible light radiation. (c) 2012 Chinese Materials Research Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.