Nanomaterials for high frequency device and photocatalytic applications: Mg-Zn-Ni ferrites

Abstract Spinel nanoferrites are being explored for their potential in photocatalytic and high frequency applications. Considering this recent development, we report the photocatalytic and dielectric studies of Ni doped Mg-Zn nanoferrites. The spinel nanoferrites of Mg 0.5 Zn 0.5-x Ni x Fe 2 O 4 ( x  = 0.125, 0.250, 0.375, 0.500) have been synthesized via co-precipitation technique. The photocatalytic study has been reported by analyzing the degradation of methylene blue dye under sunlight irradiation. An enhanced photocatalytic activity has been observed for the samples under investigation with increase Ni content and irradiation time. For 50 min exposure of x  = 0.500 sample, a maximum degradation efficiency of 36.94% has been obtained. The frequency dependent dielectric constant has shown an increase with Ni content i.e. from 202.53 for x  = 0.125 to 360.86 for x  = 0.500. The dielectric loss has been found to be lower at higher frequencies for all prepared samples. Electrical study shows a decrease in resistivity with Ni content. The low dielectric losses at high frequency for prepared samples make them a potential candidate in high frequency micro-wave devices, multi-functional devices and simultaneously dye degradation studies indicate that they can be used for removing pollutants from water.