Green synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles for photocatalysis of methylene blue

Emerging Trends in Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Environmental Applications

Over the last few decades, the application of nanoparticles (NPs) gained immense attention towards environmental and biomedical applications. NPs are ultra-small particles having size ranges from 1 to 100 nm. NPs loaded with therapeutic or imaging compounds have proved a versatile approach towards healthcare improvements. Among various inorganic NPs, zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) NPs are considered as non-toxic and having an improved drug delivery characteristics . Several studies have reported broader applications of ZnFe2O4 NPs for treating carcinoma and various infectious diseases. Additionally, these NPs are beneficial for reducing organic and inorganic environmental pollutants. This review discusses about various methods to fabricate ZnFe2O4 NPs and their physicochemical properties. Further, their biomedical and environmental applications have also been explored comprehensively.

Utilization of ZnFe2O4-Polyaniline (PANI), ZnFe2O4-Polystyrene (PST), and ZnFe2O4-Polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites for removal of Red X-GRL and Direct Sky Blue dyes from wastewater: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

In this study, ZnFe2O4-Polyaniline (PANI), ZnFe2O4-Polystyrene (PST), and ZnFe2O4-Polypyrrole (Ppy) nanocomposites were synthesized by the adsorption method and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted for removing two types of hazardous dyes Red X-GRL and Direct Sky Blue 51 from an aqueous solution and the effect of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration of dyes were investigated. Meanwhile, kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic parameters were also determined. The electrolyte and surfactant effect was also tested for the prepared nanocomposites. To test the reusability desorption study was also conducted.

Facile and green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles for effective photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and real textile wastewater

Remediation of organic dyes from wastewater in textile industries is a big challenge to decreasing water pollution. This study was aimed at the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and their application as a photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), sunfix red (SR) and real textile wastewater (RTW) under both UV and visible irradiations. The ZnO NPs were synthesized with a green Thymus vulgaris leaf extract-supported approach following the calcination process. 50 mg L^-1 MB and 50 mg L^-1 SR dyes were completely photodegrade under UV irradiation after only 20 and 45 minutes, respectively, in the presence of 1.0 mg/mL ZnO NPs. When they are exposed to visible light, the degradation efficiency reached 91 and 75% within 60 and 120 min, respectively. Photocatalytic measurements of RTW depict that 95% (within 60 min under UV illumination) and 79% (within 90 min under visible illumination) were degraded, respectively. The enhanced photodegradation can be attributed to the narrowing of the bandgap of the ZnO NPs, high crystallinity and nearly hexagonal morphology with an average size of 20-30 nm. The present results show that ZnO NPs could potentially be applied for high-efficiency degradation of organic dyes and RTW under both UV and visible light irradiation.

Highly efficient visible light photocatalysis of Nix Zn1-x Fe2O4 (x= 0, 0.3, 0.7) nanoparticles: Diclofenac degradation mechanism and eco-toxicity

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products occupy a predominant position with respect to both utility and release into the ecosystem, thereby contributing to environmental pollution at alarming rates. Of the several methods identified to minimize the concentration of PPCPs, nanomaterial based photocatalysis seems to be a potential alternative for it being highly economical and eco-friendly. In this study, we synthesized Nickel zinc ferrite (Ni-ZF) [Ni_x Zn_1-x Fe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.3, 0.7)] nanoparticles with an average diameter of ∼400 nm by a co-precipitation method towards diclofenac degradation. The composite showed greater degrees of crystallinity devoid of any impurities. Nearly complete DCF degradation (∼99%) was achieved after 50 min reaction time with the nanoparticles at pH 7 for an initial DCF concentration of 50 mg/L. The degradation process followed a pseudo first-order rate law with the rate constant of 0.1657 min^{- 1}. Microbial toxicity and phytotoxicity studies demonstrated negligible toxicity imposed by the contaminated water treated with the prepared composite, suggesting it as a promising photocatalyst benefitting in all aspects.

Investigation of the Structural and Optical Properties of Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized via a Green Route

We report herein the synthesis of ZnFe₂O₄ (ZF) nanoparticles via a simple and eco-friendly green route using lemon juice as a reducing agent and fuel. The effect of different calcination temperatures on the particle size and bandgap of grown ZF nanoparticles was investigated. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated using synchrotron x-ray diffraction (S-XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS), respectively. S-XRD confirmed a spinel F-d3m phase in all four samples calcined at 350°C, 550°C, 750°C and 1000°C. The crystallite size calculated from the Debye-Scherrer equation showed an increase from 14 nm to 20 nm with the increase in calcination temperature. Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis revealed an increase in the particle size from 16 nm to 21 nm and a decrease in the lattice microstrain from 0.913 × 10^-3 to 0.154 × 10^-4 with the increase in calcination temperature. The optical bandgap of the ZF nanoparticles obtained from UV-Vis-DRS decreased from 2.265 eV to 2.225 eV with the increase in calcination temperature. The ZF nanoparticles with tunable particle size, lattice microstrain and optical bandgap have potential application in ferrofluid, electromagnetic shielding, photocatalysis, hyperthermia, dye degradation and other areas.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11664-022-09813-2.

Highly efficient visible light driven photocatalytic activity of zinc/ferrite: Carbamazepine degradation, mechanism and toxicity assessment

In this present study, spherical shaped zinc ferrite (Zn/Fe₂O₄) was prepared as uniformly sized (65 ± 0.5 nm) nanoparticles with band gap (2.00 eV) in a visible light regime and employed for the photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ). The doping of Zn decreased the band gap (from 2.00 to 1.98 eV) and enhanced the absorption of visible light. Zinc doping also induced effective separation of photogenerated carriers and subsequent charge migration to the surface of the Zn/Fe₂O₄ nanoparticle. On account of the advantages of the material, a high removal efficiency (~ 100%) of CBZ through photocatalytic degradation was achieved. Kinetics of CBZ degradation follows a pseudo first-order with the rate constant 0.0367 min^-1. In-vitro and in-vivo toxicity of the nanoparticles were examined promoting the environmental implications.

Rare earth metal (Sm) doped zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) for improved photocatalytic elimination of toxic dye from aquatic system

Wastewater remediation is the serious topic that must be taken into concern which would be a most crucial problem that destroys the natural properties as well as it has some worse effect on living organisms. By doing better wastewater management, the scarcity of water for domestic purposes can be eventually managed. Dyes are main organic pollutant that must be removed from wastewater. Pristine, 1% Sm doped and 2% Sm doped ZnFe₂O₄ were prepared through simple co-precipitation method. The materials were further analyzed for its structure, optical properties, rotational properties and morphology studies. These analyses were investigated with respect to X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence and scanning electron microscopic studies. XRD pattern of Pristine, 1% Sm doped and 2% Sm doped ZnFe₂O₄ was matched with JCPDS Card #89-1012 with cubic phase. Bandgap energy of prepared samples were 1.7 eV, 1.65 eV and 1.47 eV. The prepared cationic dye was degraded with help of visible light irradiation. 2% Sm doped ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles easily removed 65% of dye within 1 h duration. 2% Sm doped ZnFe₂O₄ was tested for its reusability and efficiency was stable for more than three cycles. This shows the stability of the sample towards degrading the cationic dye. By the doping of Samarium, ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles enthusiastically removed cationic dye and it proves to be an efficient candidate in removing dyes and can help in wastewater treatment in upcoming era.

Recent Advances in Magnetic Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites for the Remediation of Water Resources

Water resources are of extreme importance for both human society and the environment. However, human activity has increasingly resulted in the contamination of these resources with a wide range of materials that can prevent their use. Nanomaterials provide a possible means to reduce this contamination, but their removal from water after use may be difficult. The addition of a magnetic character to nanomaterials makes their retrieval after use much easier. The following review comprises a short survey of the most recent reports in this field. It comprises five sections, an introduction into the theme, reports on single magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic nanocomposites containing two of more nanomaterials, magnetic nanocomposites containing material of a biologic origin and finally, observations about the reported research with a view to future developments. This review should provide a snapshot of developments in what is a vibrant and fast-moving area of research.