Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of FeCr2O4 and FeCr2O4/Ag nanocomposites

Abstract

Ferrite chromite (FeCr2O4) powders have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method using various alkaline agents and capping agent. For the first time, nanostructured Ferrite chromite was synthesized with utilizing tetraethylenepantamine as a new alkaline agent. The SDS, PVP and PEG as stabilization agent and capping agent in presence of TEPA as alkaline agent were employed to prepare of the Ferrite chromite. The structural character of as-synthesized powders was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The results indicate that the as-obtained powders are pure. The electronic properties of as-synthesized powders was characterized by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance analysis (DRS), which shows the as-obtained sample has a significant absorption in the UV region. The photocatalytic degradation of the rhodamine B, methyl orange, murexide and methylene blue as water pollutants were investigated. According to the results, photocatalytic activity of FeCr2O4/Ag nanostructures were better than of other samples and degradation percent of rhodamine B as a cationic pollutant was more than the other dyes.