Effect of bismuth on copper zinc ferrites for photocatalytic applications

In the present work, copper zinc bismuth ferrites were synthesized and calcined at 900 degrees C and 1000 degrees C using combustion technique. The structure of synthesized material is studied using the X-ray diffraction analysis. The presence of functional groups was determined by the FTIR analysis. Optical studies reveal the absorption and scattering of light by the magnetic nanoparticles; an enhancement of photocatalytic properties is observed. A surface analysis reveals that the nanoparticles possess homogeneous microstructure with uniform size and exhibit a cauliflower-like morphology. Using a room temperature VSM analysis, the saturation magnetization and coercivity were determined for calcined ferrites at 900 degrees C and 1000 degrees C and the variation with respect to temperature was discussed in detail.