Synthesis, characterization and investigation of hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties of modified Zn–Mn and Cu–Mn nano spinels

Abstract

Nano spinels of zinc-manganite and copper-manganite were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Characterization of synthesized nanoparticles has been carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods resulting in confirmation of the target phase formation performance of synthesized nanoparticles evaluated in photodegradation methyl red organic dye. In addition, synthesized nanoparticles were coated on sand-blasted glass and modified using palmitic acid to reach the hydrophobic surface. The contact angles of water droplets were measured for both surfaces which were 159° and 152° for zinc-manganite and copper manganite, respectively. The hydrophobicity of both coatings was available after 360 days making them a good candidate for the production of hydrophobic coating with photocatalytic activity in a blend with cement-like materials.