Synthesis and structural, magnetic, and catalytic characteristics Ag–Cr doped Zn nanoferrite series for dye degradation utilizing advanced oxidation processes

The Ag–Cr doped Zn nanoferrite series (Zn_(1-2x)Ag_xCr_xFe₂O₄, where x = 0.0 to 0.25) has been prepared using the co-precipitation method. The spinel ferrite nanoparticles structure, magnetic and catalytic properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction showed that the synthesized samples contained a single cubic spinel structure, and crystallite size was in the nano-range (7–15 nm). Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed two significant absorption bands at 600 cm⁻¹ and 400 cm⁻¹, which belonged to the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites, respectively. These samples transformed from the paramagnetic phase into the superparamagnetic phase as the Ag–Cr doping increased. Based on what they were like before, these samples could be used as catalysts to speed up the breakdown of different dyes when H₂O₂ is present. When our group used these materials with the malachite green dye, the oxidation process proceeded according to first-order kinetics. This research showed that the dye concentration, H₂O₂ concentration, pH, catalyst dose, and temperature all affect how catalytically active they are.