Improved photocatalytic performance of nano (Mg1-xZnx)[Fe2-2xMn2x]O4 solid solution

Nano (Mg1-xZnx)[Fe2- 2xMn2x]O-4 solid solution was synthesized by a simple chemical route. The obtained samples were fully characterized utilizing Rietveld x-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), diffuse UV absorbance, and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Single phase cubic spinel structure MgFe2O4 was obtained confirming the formation of a solid solution. The influence of alloying on the cell parameter, cation distribution, crystallite size and particle morphology were determined. The bandgap reduced upon alloying and the PL intensity decreased as the amount of Zn and Mn increased in MgFe2O4 matrix. Measurements of photocatalytic degradation under UV light irradiation proved that alloying of magnesium ferrite with Zn and Mn ions greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activities, and optimum performance achieved with allying ratio x = 0.1. The enhancement in photocatalytic degradation was correlated with the characteristics changes. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

Alloying of magnesium ferrite with zinc and manganese ions greatly enhances photocatalytic activities, with the optimum performance achieved at an alloying ratio of x = 0.1. Alloying affects cell parameter, crystallite size, and photoluminescence intensity.