Simple synthesis and characterization of zinc manganite nanoparticles: investigation of surfactants effect and its photocatalyst application

Abstract

In the current study, an attempt is made to synthesize and characterization of zinc manganite (ZnMn2O4) nanoparticles in an aqueous environment through the novel sol–gel method. Besides, three surfactants as polyvinylpyrrolidone, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, and sodium dodecyl sulfate were used to investigate their effects on the morphology and particle size of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles. This method starts from of the precursor complex, and involves the formation of homogeneous solid intermediates, reducing atomic diffusion processes during thermal treatment. The formation of pure crystallized ZnMn2O4 nanocrystals occurred when the precursor was heat-treated at 800 °C in air for 300 min. ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties of as-prepared ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles were also investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer. Photocatalytic property of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles was examined by degradation of methyl orange as organic pollutant in water under UV light irradiation.