A low-cost and eco-friendly viable approach for green synthesis of NiFe_2−xDy_xO₄ nanoparticles using lactose

Abstract

In the present study, for the first time NiFe_2−xDy_xO₄ nanoparticles were prepared through a novel sol–gel route with the aid of nickel (II) nitrate, iron (III) nitrate, dysprosium (III) nitrate and lactose without adding external surfactant. lactose played role as caping agent and reducing agent to produce NiFe_2−xDy_xO₄ nanoparticles. The formation of pure crystallized NiFe_2−xDy_xO₄ nanoparticles occurred when the precursor was heat-treated at 800 ^°C in air for 2 h. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as-obtained products were characterized by techniques such as XRD, EDS, SEM, and UV–visible. The magnetic properties of as-prepared NiFe_2−xDy_xO₄ nanoparticles were also investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer. To evaluate the photocatalyst properties of nanocrystalline ZnFe_2−xLa_xO₄, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.