Synthesis Of Zinc Ferrite Research Articles

Magnesium‐Substituted Zinc Ferrite as a Promising Nanomaterial for the Development of Humidity Sensors

Herein, the synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanomaterials, substituted with magnesium (Mg), using the sol–gel autocombustion method, is reported. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) are used to characterize the synthesized Mg‐substituted ZnFe2O4. PXRD results show that unit cell volume and crystallite size decrease when the concentration of Mg ions rises. PXRD confirms that the nanomaterial has a single phase with the Fd3m space group. EDX confirms that the material is composed of Mg, Zn, Fe, and O elements. The FTIR spectra show a clear indication of the spinel ferrite structure, and the bands in the high‐frequency region reveal the hygroscopic nature of the prepared materials. The synthesized nanomaterial is used as a sensing element for the development of a humidity sensor. The average sensitivity (2.93 MΩ/%RH) is found to be highest for the composition Mg0.1Zn0.9Fe2O4. The response and recovery times of the fabricated thin‐film humidity sensor are 31 and 53 s, respectively. The developed sensing material has good repeatability (≈98%) and excellent stability.

Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin, Ampicillin and Erythromycin by Zinc Ferrite Immobilized on Chitosan

This study investigated the synthesis of zinc ferrite immobilized on chitosan (ZnFe2O4@Chitosan) and its application in the photodegradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP), ampicillin (AMP) and erythromycin (ERY) in aqueous solution. Results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed peaks suggesting its synthesis, while signals from X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed diffraction patterns confirming the synthesis of ZnFe2O4@Chitosan with a crystallite size of 35.14 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a homogeneous morphology with a surface area of 12.96 m2 g−1 from the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) result revealed a saturation magnetization of 2.38 emu g−1. The photodegradation study of CIP, AMP and ERY showed that both photodegradation and adsorption were taking place at the same time with the percentage degradation efficiency in the order CIP (99.80 ± 0.20%) > AMP (94.50 ± 0.10%) > ERY (83.20 ± 0.20%). ZnFe2O4@Chitosan exhibited high stability with capacity > 90% even at the 15th regeneration cycle, suggesting a viable economic value of ZnFe2O4@Chitosan.

Facile synthesis of zinc ferrite as adsorbent from high‑zinc electric arc furnace dust

A facile route was proposed to prepare zinc ferrite as a heavy-metal adsorption material from high‑zinc electric arc furnace (EAF) dust by roasting it directly with the addition of low-cost Fe2O3, followed by purification via dilute acid leaching. The effect of the addition of Fe2O3, revealed by the Fe/Zn molar ratio, on the formation of zinc ferrite was investigated. The results showed that adding Fe2O3 could increase the percentage of acid-insoluble zinc in the form of zinc ferrite to 94.13% after roasting at 1000 °C for 2 h with the Fe/Zn molar ratio of 1.8. After removing Ca2ZnSi2O7 impurity and nano bead milling, the product could be used as a good adsorbent due to its superior adsorption capacities of 198.26 mg/g, 24.95 mg/g, and 151.45 mg/g for Pb (II), Cr (VI), and Cd (II), respectively. This study offered a novel method for overall and value-added utilization of EAF dust.

Effect of sintering temperature on the magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 composite with cobaltic oxide synthesized by chemical co precipitation method

The present studies reports the synthesis of Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) composite with cobaltic oxide (Co3O4) by chemical co precipitation method. Sintering of the as synthesized sample has been done in a conventional furnace having heating rate of 5 °C per minute at three different sintering temperatures namely 600 °C, 750 °C, 900 °C. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis shows the presence of cubic spinel ferrites with increasing crystallite size with the increase of sintering temperature. FTIR reveals the presence of absorption band due to metal oxygen vibrations. VSM measurement reveals the magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 composite enhances thereby obtaining the maximum values of magnetization, coercivity and retentivity at 900 °C. The values of magnetization at 15.5 kOe, coercivity and retentivity observed were 19.355 emu/gm, 14.507 Oe and 0.24802 emu/gm respectively for the composite sintered at 900 °C. The understanding regarding the variation in the magnetization is discussed.

Green synthesis of zinc ferrite

Zinc ferrite (ZF) was obtained by a green synthesis using the Ginkgo Biloba extract as reductant and fuel. ZF was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, and IR-spectroscopy. The XRD analysis indicates that single spinel structure is formed. The crystallite size of ZF is calculated by Scherer formula and Williamson-Hall method. SEM showed agglomerated morphology of ZF particles. Adsorption measurements were carried out using model solutions of Congo red dye with different concentrations. Adsorption process is described by Langmuir and Freundlich models. It was shown that Langmuir model fitted well the adsorption isotherm. This indicates the homogeneous distribution of surface active centers.

Synthesis of a novel ZnFe2O4/porous biochar magnetic composite for Th(IV) adsorption in aqueous solutions

A novel magnetic zinc ferrite/porous biochar composite (c-PBC/ZF) was prepared and utilized to remove radioactive thorium (Th) (IV) from aqueous solutions. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) not only activates biochar during the hydrothermal synthesis of c-PBC/ZF but also serves as a basic raw material for the synthesis of zinc ferrite. In addition, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) plays a dual key role in catalyzing and generating large numbers of carboxyl groups (–COOH) during synthesis. The characterization results confirmed that ZnFe2O4 (ZF) particles with cubic spinel structures were successfully embedded into the porous biochar (PBC) matrix, which endowed the composite with superparamagnetism and enabled higher Th(IV) adsorption performance than that of single PBC and ZF nanoparticles. At room temperature, batch experiments showed that the removal rate of c-PBC/ZF for Th(IV) was 97.95% when the compound ratio of c-PBC/ZF was 1:1, the pH value was 4 and the adsorbent dosage was 1.2 g/L. Through the analysis of adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics, the Th(IV) adsorption process is in good agreement with the experimental data of the quasi-second-order kinetics model and Langmuir model, indicating that the process is a spontaneous, endothermic and monolayer adsorption process. FTIR analysis verified that the main mechanism of Th(IV) removal by c-PBC/ZF was Th–O and Th(IV) complexation with a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group. Finally, the desorption and regeneration study proved that c-PBC/ZF has a highly efficient cycling performance as an adsorbent for recovering Th(IV) from wastewater. Therefore, c-PBC/ZF is a promising adsorbent for recovering Th(IV) from wastewater.

Cost-effective and green approach for the synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles using Aegle Marmelos extract as a fuel: catalytic, electrochemical, and microbial applications

Today, due to industrialization and urbanization, the world is facing serious water shortage and environmental alarms. The reusability of polluted water could be a promising approach for the sustainable wastewater management strategy. In the view, the present work compiles the synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles by a simple, economic, and eco-friendly route. The investigation of structural properties, thermal properties, and optical properties was carried out successfully by standard characterization techniques. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the spinel-cubic lattice with Fd-3m space group for all the samples. The presence of vibrational frequency modes of Zn–O and Fe–O was ensured by FTIR spectra. The nano-size, morphology, atomic percentage, and some agglomeration of the nanoparticles were revealed by SEM–EDX and TEM images. The bandgap values were calculated from UV–Visible analysis data, and found to be 2.36 eV. The distribution of pore size by BJH method and BET surface area was evaluated by Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and is found to be 19.74 m2/g. The thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis affirmed percentage of weight loss and phase formation. The photocatalytic activity of methylene blue was evaluated under visible light and the removal efficiency of 96% and nano-catalyst shows active reusability. The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used for the study of electrochemical properties of nanoparticles. Further, the antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was investigated using Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and some selected fungi strains. The obtained results revealed that the newly synthesized ZnFe2O4 can act as potential photocatalyst, electrochemical sensor, and antimicrobial agent.

Electronic structure of yttrium-doped zinc ferrite – Insights from experiment and theory

Abstract In this work we have studied the effects of yttrium-doping to electronic structure of zinc ferrite. Our present study encompasses combination of experimental and computational procedures, with the aim of understanding how important and typical properties of title nanomaterial could be modified with frequently employed rare-earth element. Co-precipitation approach was used for the synthesis of zinc ferrite and its yttrium-doped derivatives, followed by characterization and experimental measurements of activation energies. Structures of zinc ferrite and yttrium-doped zinc ferrite were then subjected to detailed computational investigations in the framework of density functional theory (DFT). It has been shown that yttrium doping at the sites of zinc atoms produces significantly higher increase of unit cell parameter. DFT calculations encompassed geometrical optimizations, thanks to which information about structural properties have been acquired. Details about band structure have been obtained by DFT + U calculations and the calculated band gaps were related with the experimentally obtained information on activation energies. It has been shown by calculations that band gap of pristine ZFO is 0.922 eV, and that it can be manipulated by replacing iron ions with yttrium. The band gap values decrease to 0.899 eV when two yttrium ions are introduced to sites of iron ions, while the third Y increases band gap to the value of 1.027 eV. On the other side, replacing of zinc ions with yttrium leads to the formation of n-type semiconductor. Detailed insights into the effects of yttrium were also discussed through investigation of density of states. The results indicate different effects of yttrium doping, depending on whether iron or zinc atoms are replaced. It was particularly interesting to identify the formation of intermediate bands in cases when mixed spinel phase zinc ferrite was doped with yttrium.

Synthesis and characterisation of stimuli-responsive drug delivery system using ZnFe2O4 and Ag1-XZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles

ABSTRACT Ferrites have been serving as clinical elements over the past few years as contrasting agents in MRI, gene transfection, gene consignment and to attach cytotoxic drugs for targeted drug delivery. In this study, we report the synthesis of zinc ferrite and silver substituted zinc ferrite and its novel applications on drug delivery. The magnetic nanoparticle was characterised using XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR and VSM. This magnetic particle was loaded with Curcumin, an anticancer drug coating with casein which plays a vital role as a natural polymer. The drug release studies were done under external and internal stimuli such as initial concentration of drug, magnetic fields and various pH, respectively. We have developed a pH-sensitive, higher drug concentration drug delivery system under 5 mT magnetic fields which is efficient for targeting drug delivery to the malignant cell.

Aegle marmelos leaves extract mediated synthesis of zinc ferrite: Antibacterial activity and drug delivery

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) were important due to their biological applications. In this work, zinc ferrite nanoparticles were synthesised by green method using Aegle marmelos leaves extract antimicrobial activity and drug delivery were studied. The synthesized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction method (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). XRD pattern of the synthesised ferrite samples showed cubic structure and matched with JCPDS no: 82-1042. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the characteristic functional group of ferrite nanoparticles. Magnetic properties of synthesised ferrite nanoparticles were studied using VSM. Agglomerated and irregular shaped particles were noticed from SEM. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles released 95% of carfilzomib (cancer drug) drug in 360 min. Furthermore, antibacterial activity was studied by well diffusion method against Escherichia coli (17 nm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25 nm), and Staphylococcus aureus (22 nm) and Bacillus subtilis (23 nm). Higher zone of inhibition was noted against pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to other organisms.

Green synthesis of novel zinc iron oxide (ZnFe2O4) nanocomposite via Moringa Oleifera natural extract for electrochemical applications

The main motivation of the research study involves development of reliable, accurate, inexpensive and environmental friendly method for the synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanocomposites. It was thought of interest to synthesized zinc ferrite via green synthetic method using Moringa Oleifera extract. For the first time, we used green synthetic route via Moringa Oleifera extract acted as both chelating and reducing agents to synthesis spinel ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites. The physical and electrochemical properties were characterized using different techniques such as High Resolve Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) X-ray diffraction (XRD) Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The XRD pattern thus clearly illustrated that the ZnFe2O4 nanocmposites synthesized by the green method were good crystalline in nature. The time constant and exchange current of ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites from EIS analysis were calculated and found to be 5.2001 × 10−4 s/rad and 6.59432 × 10−4 A, respectively. Based on the electrochemical results, GCE/ZnFe2O4 electrode exhibited a good voltametric response, high electro-activity, and excellent electrochemical performance making it a highly suitable/promising electrode for electrochemical applications.

Relationship between the component synthesis order of zinc ferrite–titania nanocomposites and their performances as visible light-driven photocatalysts for relevant organic pollutant degradation

The main objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the order of component synthesis of zinc ferrite–titania nanocomposites on their structural, morphologic, textural, light absorption properties, and performances as photocatalysts. In this respect, nanocomposite materials with 10ZnFe 2 O 4 90TiO 2 (wt %) composition were prepared via a two-step synthesis procedure by alternating the order of the component addition during the preparation protocol and characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, small-angle X-ray scattering, nitrogen sorption, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites was evaluated on Rhodamine 6G degradation under visible light illumination. The photocatalytic performances of nanocomposites were clearly superior to the classical TiO 2 . Nevertheless, preparing titania in the presence of a presynthesized zinc ferrite led to superior characteristics in terms of band gap value, specific surface area, and grain sizes crucial for the enhancement of the photocatalytic performances.

Lactoferrin-assisted synthesis of zinc ferrite nanocrystal: Its magnetic performance and photocatalytic activity

Lactoferrin (LF) was used to assist the synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4, ZFO) semiconductor photocatalysts in this study, and superparamagnetic ZFO nanocrystals with an average crystallite size ranging from 11.3 nm to 20.1 nm were successfully obtained via the hydrothermal method. It was found that LF was conducive to fast formation of ZFO nuclei, which resulted in remarkable crystallinity enhancement of the as-prepared ZFO nanocrystals. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of the as-prepared ZFO crystals would be greatly improved with increasing the LF content, and the Ms of the as-prepared ZFO crystals synthesized with 50 mg of LF (ZFO-50LF) could reach 19.9 emu/g, whereas the Ms of the as-prepared ZFO crystals synthesized in the absence of LF (ZFO-0LF) was only 8.8 emu/g. In addition, although the specific surface area of ZFO-0LF nanocrystals (127.2 m2/g) was larger than that of ZFO-50LF nanocrystals (101.6 m2/g), and ZFO-0LF exhibited a higher absorption of methyl orange (MO) molecules in contrast with ZFO-50LF, but ZFO-50LF possessed a larger optical absorption coefficient, smaller band gap and higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency per unit area. After being irradiated under UV light for 3 h, ZFO-50LF almost could make MO molecules completely degrade. Therefore, the LF-assisted synthesized ZFO nanocrystals have a promising application prospect to be used as a new high-efficiency recyclable photocatalyst.

An ultrasensitive quenched electrochemiluminescent immunoassay based on the peroxidase-like activity of ZnFe2O4@Au nanoparticles

We reported here the synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4), which was further fabricated into gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized ZnFe2O4 (ZnFe2O4@Au) through a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly method. The prepared ZnFe2O4@Au showed excellent catalytic performance to the reduction reaction procedure of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the coated AuNPs provided the nanoparticles with good biocompatibility. In addition, the CdTe quantum dots dotted graphene (G–CdTe) was prepared and was found with good electrochemiluminescence (ECL) property. The prepared ZnFe2O4@Au and G–CdTe were applied in a simple sandwich-type ECL immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In the immunosensor, G–CdTe acted as the solid support for CEA primary antibody and ZnFe2O4@Au was employed as the supporter of CEA secondary antibody. The ZnFe2O4@Au could quench the ECL signal of the G–CdTe and the quenching ECL intensity could be obtained. The proposed immunosensor enabled CEA concentrations to be determined in the 0.01–50ngmL−1 concentration range, with a detection limit of 4pgmL−1.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZINC FERRITE BY XRD, VSM AND ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE TECHNIQUES

In this report, the synthesis of zinc ferrite ( ZnFe 2 O 4) by co-precipitation method has been presented along with its subsequent characterization by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques. The obtained XRD results of as-synthesized sample indicates the cubic spinel phase formation, which was confirmed from the XRD data of the above calcined sample at 1000°C. By using VSM, a complex magnetic structure was observed with substantial change on calcined sample. The ESR result of zinc ferrite sample studied at room temperature was found to be significantly different from that of the low temperature results, especially after heat-treatment.

Mechanistic investigation of the sonochemical synthesis of zinc ferrite

In this investigation, an attempt has been made to establish the physical mechanism of sonochemical synthesis of zinc ferrite with concurrent analysis of experimental results and simulations of cavitation bubble dynamics. Experiments have been conducted with mechanical stirring as well as under ultrasound irradiation with variation of pH and the static pressure of the reaction medium. Results of this study reveal that physical effects produced by transient cavitation bubbles play a crucial role in the chemical synthesis. Generation of high amplitude shock waves by transient cavitation bubbles manifest their effect through in situ micro-calcination of metal oxide particles (which are generated through thermal hydrolysis of metal acetates) due to energetic collisions between them. Micro-calcination of oxide particles can also occur in the thin liquid shell surrounding bubble interface, which gets heated up during transient collapse of bubbles. The sonochemical effect of production of OH radicals and H2O2, in itself, is not able to yield ferrite. Moreover, as the in situ micro-calcination involves very small number of particles or even individual particles (as in intra-particle collisions), the agglomeration between resulting ferrite particles is negligible (as compared to external calcination in convention route), leading to ferrite particles of smaller size (6nm).

Synthesis of Zinc Ferrite and Its Photocatalytic Application under Visible Light

ZnFe2O4 with a spinel crystal structure was synthesized by using the solid-state reaction method. A single-phase ZnFe2O4 was obtained in the temperature range of 900 { 1200 C. The as-synthesized particles were agglomerates of crystals with an average size of 51.9 nm, as estimated from X-ray di raction analysis. The band gap of the n-type semiconducting metal oxide, as determined by using UV-vis di use re ectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) was found to be 1.90 eV (657 nm). The photocatalytic activity of ZnFe2O4 was investigated by using the photo-decomposition of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) under visible light ( 420 nm) and was found to be much higher than that of the well-known TiO2 xNx photocatalyst.

Mecanosynthesis of partially inverted zinc ferrite

Synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe 2O 4) by high-energy ball-milling from a powder mixture of zinc oxide (ZnO) and hematite (α-Fe 2O 3) is investigated. The millings are performed under air using tungsten carbide vials and balls. The spinel phase appears within 2 h grinding and the reaction is almost complete after 24 h. The broadening of X-ray diffraction lines shows that the crystallite size is around 10 nm. Mössbauer spectra indicate that there is some inversion in the ferrite, leading to the formula (Zn 0.31 2+Fe 0.69 3+) A(Zn 0.69 2+Fe 1.31 3+) BO 4 2− for the 24 h sample. We also show that preliminary millings of the initial oxides (zincite and hematite) slow down the reaction. Finally, dilatometric studies show that the shrinkage proceeds in several steps, due to a grain size distribution in the sample.

Mechanochemical Synthesis of Zinc Ferrite, ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>

Mechanochemical synthesis of zinc ferrite, ZnFe2O4, was attempted from a powder mixture of iron (III) oxide, alpha-Fe2O3 and zinc (II) oxide, ZnO. Nanocrystalline zinc ferrite, ZnFe2O4 powders were successfully synthesized only by milling for 30 hours. The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the as-milled powders (without heating) showed twelve ZnFe2O4 peaks and four weak peaks of coexisting unreacted Fe2O3. The crystallite size of the mechanochemicallysynthesized ZnFe2O4 was 26.3 nm. Evidence of the ZnFe2O4 formation was absent for the powders milled for 10 and 20 hours; milling lowered the crystallinity of the starting materials. Heating after milling enhanced the formation of ZnFe2O4, the crystal growth of ZnFe2O4 and the unreacted starting materials. The unreacted starting materials decreased their amounts by heating at higher temperatures.

Fabrication of Zinc Ferrite Nanocrystals by Sonochemical Emulsification and Evaporation: Observation of Magnetization and Its Relaxation at Low Temperature

A new ultrasound assisted emulsion (consisting of rapeseed oil and aqueous solution of Zn(2+) and Fe(2+) acetates) and evaporation protocol has been developed for the synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe(2)O(4)) nanoparticles with narrow size distribution. The as-synthesized sample consisted of crystalline zinc ferrite particles with an average diameter of approximately 4 nm, whereas the average size of the heat-treated ferrite particles increases to approximately 12 nm. To remove the small amount of oil present on the surface of the as-synthesized ferrite sample, heat treatment was carried out at 350 degrees C for 3 h. The as-synthesized and heat-treated ferrites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), TGA/DTA, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Magnetic measurements show that the nanocrystalline ZnFe(2)O(4), prepared through this technique, is either at par with those obtained in other cases or even more improved. Both the as-synthesized and heat-treated samples reveal relaxation of magnetization. Our study also shows that one can tailor the magnetization and relaxation pattern by suitably controlling the particle size of the nanocrystalline ZnFe(2)O(4). The key features of this method are avoiding (a) the cumbersome conditions that exist in the conventional methods, (b) the usage of necessary additive components (stabilizers or surfactants, precipitants), and (c) calcination requirements. In addition, rapeseed oil has replaced organic nonpolar solvents used in earlier studies. As a whole, this simple straightforward sonochemical approach results in a better pure phase system of nanoferrite with improved magnetic properties.