Synthesis and Characterization of Photocatalytic TiO₂‐ZnFe₂O₄ Nanoparticles

Abstract

A new coprecipitation/hydrolysis synthesis route is used to create a TiO 2 ‐ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposite that is directed towards extending the photoresponse of TiO 2 from UV to visible wavelengths (>400 nm). The effect of TiO 2 ′s accelerated anatase‐rutile phase transformation due to the presence of the coupled ZnFe 2 O 4 narrow‐bandgap semiconductor is evaluated. The transformation′s dependence on pH, calcinations temperature, particle size, and ZnFe 2 O 4 concentration has been analyzed using XRD, SEM, and UV‐visible spectrometry. The requirements for retaining the highly photoactive anatase phase present in a ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposite are outlined. The visible‐light‐activated photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 ‐ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites has been compared to an Aldrich TiO 2 reference catalyst, using a solar‐simulated photoreactor for the degradation of phenol.