Catalytic activity and kinetic studies of Ferrite TiO2 core shell nanostructures for photocatalysis

Abstract

Metal oxide nanostructures are widely employed in numerous applications including AOPs because of their remarkable physicochemical properties. Among numerous AOPs, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used catalyst in heterogeneous photo-catalysis, due to its photo-stability, nontoxicity, competitive cost, and is stable in water under severe environmental circumstances. It is also an excellent inorganic semiconductor and has environmental as well as temperature stable dielectric properties. Since the titania is an electrical insulator, the major problem concerning with its use is its extraction from treated water. However, by using the special methods we can synthesize a core shell nanoparticles comprises of a core of magnetic material and a shell of photocatalytic material. Hence, the problem can overcome by using the small magnetic field. Core@shell multi-component catalysts have attracted considerable attention recently because of their potential applications in catalysis. Spinel Ferrite TiO2 Core@shell nano-structure is a large class of oxide with remarkable magnetic properties, which have been investigated and applied during the last few decades. Core@shell nanostructure comprises a core made from one material, and a shell comprises from another material. With suitable selection of core and shell materials, properties can be combined or the surface can be functionalized. In this work, the NiFe2O4@TiO2 were prepared by hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) precursor in the presence of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles, whereas NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion method. The characteristic of the NiFe2O4@TiO2 photo-catalyst were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), BET analysis was carried out for surface area measurement, and UV–visible spectroscopy. In addition, we investigated kinetic study and catalytic activity of photo-catalyst.