Laser synthesized magnetically recyclable titanium ferrite nanoparticles for photodegradation of dyes

In this work, contaminated free titanium ferrite nanoparticles were successfully prepared through laser ablation approach in liquid media. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized in terms of the structural, bonding nature, chemical composition using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed multiphase structure of titanium ferrite nanoparticles and revealed a vast difference between the laser ablated nanoparticles and its mother target. The XRD, FTIR and Raman measurements showed the formation of magnetic titanium ferrite nanoparticles as compared to bulk target. EDX spectrum also confirmed the formation of titanium ferrite nanoparticles. The photo catalytic activity performance of synthesized nanoparticles was tested to Rhodamine 6 G which was studied through time based absorption variations noted by ultra violet visible spectroscopy. The photo catalytic degradation efficiency of the sample retained nearly 80% of its initial value after two cycle of operation. These magnetic titanium ferrite nanoparticles exhibited good photocatalytic activities under UV light irradiation and can be recycled many times by magnetic separation without major loss of activity. Present studies indicate that titanium ferrite nanoparticles are a promising material for contaminated groundwater treatment and might open a new avenue in the designing of a cheaper and efficient large scale water purification plants.