Green synthesis using tragacanth gum and characterization of Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite nanoparticles as a magnetically separable photocatalyst for organic dyes degradation from aqueous solution under visible light

Abstract

In this paper, Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite nanoparticle was synthesized using tragacanth gum as a biotemplate source by the sol–gel method and its photocatalytic dye degradation ability from aqueous solution was studied. This method has many advantages such as nontoxic, economic viability, ease to scale up, less time consuming and environmental friendly approach for the synthesis of Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite nanoparticles without using any organic chemicals. Malachite green and basic red 5 were used as model dyes. The characteristics of magnetic nanoparticles were investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The XRD analysis revealed the formation of Cubic phase ferrite MNPs with average crystallite size of 20 nm. Photocatalytic dye degradation by NiCuZnFe₂O₄ was studied by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The effects of NiCuZnFe₂O₄ dosage, initial dye concentration and visible light irradiation on dye degradation were evaluated. The results indicated that NiCuZnFe₂O₄ could be used as a magnetic photocatalyst to degrade dyes from aqueous solution. The catalyst can be easily recovered by a simple magnetic separation and can be recycled several times with no significant loss of photocatalytic activity.