Sonochemical synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles: Characterization and their photocatalytic and electrochemical applications

Abstract

In this study, nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe2O4 NPs) were synthesized via simple and cost effective sonochemical method. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of inverse spinel ferrite with face centered cubic structure and the dimensions of the NPs ranged from 9 to 17 nm. Kubelka–Munk function was applied to study diffuse reflectance spectra and the band gap of the NPs was determined as 2.26 eV. Methylene blue (MB) and Drimarene yellow (DY) dyes were used as model dyes to study the photocatalytic properties of NPs under ultraviolet light irradiation. Point of zero charge (pHpzc) has played a significant role in understanding the adsorption of dyes onto the surface of the photocatalyst. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements for NiFe2O4 electrode were performed in 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M NaOH aqueous electrolytes. The electrode exhibited specific capacitance of 2.084 F g–1 and 0.533 F g–1 in acidic and basic electrolytes, respectively. EIS measurements showed reduction in the charge transfer resistance. Modified carbon paste electrode using NiFe2O4 NPs has sensed Paracetamol in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. These results indicated that NiFe2O4 is a promising electrode material for sensing paracetamol with high electrode reversibility and is an excellent photocatalyst. Hence, sonochemically synthesized NiFe2O4 NPs are expected to offer significant insight into their multifunctional applications.