CuFe2O4-Encapsulated ZnO Nanoplates: Magnetically Retrievable Biocidal Photocatalyst

CuFe2O4-encapsulated ZnO nanoplates have been synthesized by hydrothermal procedure and characterized by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopies, selected area electron (SAED) and X-ray (XRD) diffractometries, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), Raman, solid state electrochemical impedance (EIS), UV-visible diffuse reflectance (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) lifetime spectroscopies. The lifetime of charge carriers produced in CuFe2O4/ZnO is not less than that in ZnO nanoplates. So is the photocatalytic activity. The magnetically recoverable CuFe2O4/ZnO nanoplates show sustainable photocatalytic activity on recycling. The composite nanoplates are bactericide as well. They inactivate E. coli effectively, even in the absence of direct light. The synthesized photostable CuFe2O4-encapsulated ZnO nanoplates are three-in-one material.