Improved photocatalytic performance of nano (Mg1-xZnx)[Fe2-2x Mn2x]O4 solid solution

Abstract Nano (Mg1-xZnx)[Fe2-2x Mn2x]O4 solid solution was synthesized by a simple chemical route. The obtained samples were fully characterized utilizing Rietveld X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), field effect scanning electron microscope (FESEM), diffuse UV absorbance, and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Single phase cubic spinel was obtained confirming the formation of a solid solution. The influence of alloying on the cell parameter, cation distribution, crystallite size and particle morphology were determined. The bandgap reduced upon alloying and the PL intensity decreased as the amount of Zn and Mn increased in MgFe2O4 matrix. Measurements of photocatalytic degradation under UV light irradiation proved that alloying of magnesium ferrite with Zn and Mn ions greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activities, and optimum performance achieved with allying ratio x=0.1. The enhancement in photocatalytic degradation was correlated with the characteristic changes.