SiO2@MFe2O4 core-shell nanostructures: Efficient photocatalysts with excellent dispersion properties

In the present investigation core-shell structures of silica coated soft ferrite MFe2O4 nanocomposites have been successfully prepared through stobber's method and have been structurally diagnosed by various techniques. Powder XRD diffraction pattern revealed the cubic crystal structure of the metal ferrite nanoparticles. HRTEM was used to visualize the coating of silica on the surface of MFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles. Coating of silica on the soft ferrite nanoparticles lowered the band gap values in comparison to the corresponding pristine ferrite nanoparticles. VSM studies were carried out and ferrite nanoparticles retained their magnetic behavior with little reduction in the saturation and coercivity values on coating with the silica layer. Present protocol provides very efficient core shell structural nanocatalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of toxic organic pollutants with very good dispersion properties. (C) 2016 Elsevier'Ltd. All rights reserved.