Journal of Nanoparticle Research | 2021
Large scale hybrid magnetic ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite with highly photocatalytic activity for water splitting
Abstract
Upscale production of hybrid magnetic ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposites (ZFTs) with various mass loading of 30–90 wt% TiO2 was synthesized to improve the water splitting and hydrogen production via photocatalytic process under visible irradiation. Physicochemical characteristics such as structure, morphology, magnetic, and photocatalytic activities were studied in details. The TEM observations confirm that ZnFe2O4 and TiO2 are strongly coupled as spherical nanoparticles around 6–8 nm. The absorption of TiO2 was shifted to the visible region and the lowest PL intensity of ZFT70 nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to the other nanocomposites. The ZFT70 photocurrent was five times higher than single TiO2 and ZnFe2O4 phases, indicating enhanced photo induced electron and hole separation. This can be considered earnest green technology process for harvesting visible light using heterostructure photocatalysts with amazing scope application, especially for hydrogen production through photo water splitting process. Seventy percent hydrogen yield was obtained at 9021 μmol/h g of ZnFe2O4/TiO2 as a promising material for producing alternative green energy. Intelligent nanocomposite act as energy harvesting materials for hydrogen production. Intelligent nanocomposite act as energy harvesting materials for hydrogen production.