Perforated ZnFe2O4/ZnO hybrid nanosheets: enhanced charge-carrier lifetime, photocatalysis, and bacteria inactivation

Perforated ZnFe2O4/ZnO hybrid nanosheets have been synthesized by hydrothermal technique and characterized using X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, selected area electron diffractogram, and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrum shows the mole percentage of ZnFe2O4 in the synthesized nanohybrid as 2.3. The magnetization curve indicates the superparamagnetic character of the synthesized hybrid nanosheets. Electron-transfer resistance of ZnFe2O4/ZnO is larger than that of ZnO nanosheets. The absorption edge of the hybrid nanosheets overlaps with that of ZnO nanosheets and the direct and also indirect bandgaps of the hybrid do not differ significantly from those of ZnO. The emission spectrum of the hybrid overlaps with that of ZnO nanosheets. The charge-carrier lifetime in the hybrid is longer than that in ZnO nanosheets. The hybrid nanosheets show larger photocatalytic activity compared to ZnO nanosheets. The bactericidal activity of the hybrid is also larger than that of ZnO.