Magnetic Particles Nanorod of ZnO/CuFe₂O₄ Prepared by Green Synthesized Approach: Structural, Optical and Magnetic Properties, and Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

In this study, magnetically separable ZnO/CuFe₂O₄ nanorod particles were synthesized by the green synthesis approach, using rambutan peel extract (Nephelium lappaceum L.) as a capping agent. The samples were evaluated as photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye driven by solar light irradiation. The XRD patterns represented the specific peaks of ZnO and CuFe₂O₄ in the ZnO/CuFe₂O₄ composite. SEM and TEM images showed the rod-like shape of the ZnO/CuFe₂O₄ composite synthesized using 3 mL (ZCuE3N) of rambutan peel extract. ZCuE3N sample has an increase in photocatalytic activity up to 98.8% in the degradation of Rhodamine B under solar light irradiation for 2 h. Magnetic measurement by VSM revealed that ZnO/CuFe₂O₄ composite was superparamagnetic. ZnO/CuFe₂O₄ composites remained stable in an air atmosphere and exhibited promise as a reusable photocatalyst as it can be easily separated from the solution by an external magnetic field.

Keywords:
ZnO/CuFe₂O₄ nanorod; green synthesis; Nephelium lappaceum L; Rhodamine B