Merits of photocatalytic activity of synthesized (Zn_xCu_(1−x)Fe₂O₄); x = (0–1) magnetic nanoparticles for wastewater treatment

Synthesis of crystalline zinc copper ferrite nanoparticles was achieved via a simple co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is utilized to give the morphological characterization of the prepared samples. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was employed for further identification and confirmation of the particle size and morphology. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were utilized to examine crystalline structure and chemical structure, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of Zn_0.5Cu_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles under UV light was assessed by decolorization of methyl orange (MO) azo dye. The efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of 20 ppm of MO by Zn_0.5Cu_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles 15 mg was 96% after 135 min at an ambient temperature of 25 °C and pH value of 3. Further interpretation was carried out and a proposed mechanism for the MO photodegradation over Zn_0.5Cu_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles was suggested.