Preparation and photocatalytic application of Zn-Fe2O4@ZnO core-shell nanostructures

In this study, nanohallow Zn-Fe2O4 microspheres were synthesis by ZnCl2, FeCl3.6H(2)O and ammonium acetate using the hydrothermal method. Then, Zn Fe2O4@ZnO core-shell structured spheres were prepared by using immobilization of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of Zn-ferrite spheres via sol-gel rout. SEM and TEM images showed morphology and core-shell structure of particles. Results of VSM illustrate that Zn Fe2O4 and Zn Fe2O4@ZnO particles are superparamagnetic. Photocatalytic activity studies confirm that synthesised Zn Fe2O4@ZnO core-shell sphere with molar ratio of 1:1 had excellent photodegradating behavior to methylene blue (MB) as compared to other core-shell ratios, pure Zn Fe2O4 and pure ZnO. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.