Mg1-xNixFe2-xCrxO4 synthesis via hydrothermal route: Effect of doping on the structural, optical, electrical, magnetic and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

A pristine MgFe2O4 and a series of Ni and Cr substituted magnesium ferrite NPs have been fabricated via hydrothermal route. The influence of double ions substitution on MgFe2O4 was examined attributed to structural, optical, electrical, magnetic and photocatalytic properties. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed cubic geometry having fd3m space group with an average crystalline size in 25–33 nm. From hysteresis loop saturation polarization (Ps), coercivity and remanence polarization (Pr)was evaluated and found that the value of Ps and Pr were improved on increasing dopants content. VSM analysis confirms the ferromagnetic behavior of Mg1-xNixFe2-xCrxO4. Furthermore, the dielectric loss decreased by increasing frequency as well as the amount of dopant. UV–Vis absorption spectrum exhibited red-shift and band-gap energy reduced i.e., 2.58 to 2.29 eV. PCA study evaluated using crystal violet (CV) dye and Mg1-xNixFe2-xCrxO4 NPs exhibited higher efficiency and 97 % dye degradation was observed for Mg1-xNixFe2-xCrxO4 versus MgFe2O4 (59 %) under sunlight irradiation in 100 min. Moreover, the stability of NPs was confirmed through recycling experiment and Mg1-xNixFe2-xCrxO4 showed promising stability and reusability. Thus, the enhanced photocatalytic activity under solar light revealed its application for remediation of dyes in industrial waste under sunlight irradiation, it will make the process highly feasible.

Keywords

• Magnesium ferrite
• Hydrothermal route
• Double ion doping
• Photocatalysis
• Sunlight irradiation
• Crystal violet