Magnetic and photocatalytic study of Co3O4–ZnO nanocomposite

• Simple route to prepare Co3O4–ZnO nanocomposite.
• Structural, compositional and morphological analyses.
• Unique magnetic behaviour observed below ∼15 K which is based on the interface effect.
• The novel structure manifests strong photocatalytic activity.
• Nanocomposite system gives synergistic effect in magnetic as well as in photocatalytic behaviour.

Co3O4–ZnO nanocomposite has been synthesized by chemical route. Structural, compositional and morphological analyses evidenced the successful formation of the nanocomposite with almost core–shell type structure having particle size of 10–40 nm range. Magnetic study of the nanocomposite has been carried out by measuring magnetization with varying magnetic field and temperature. Rapid magnetic alignment of the Co3O4–ZnO nanocomposite structure has been observed below ∼15 K and the behaviour is explained on the basis of their interface effect. This coupled semiconductor system has also been examined for the photocatalytic application and the study on rhodamine B exhibits excellent capacity of the materials for the application in photodegradation of the pollutant organic dye. The photocatalytic efficiency of the materials has been attributed to the capacity of effective charge separation and charge transfer of the system. As a whole, the Co3O4–ZnO nanocomposite system gives synergistic effect in magnetic and in photocatalytic behaviour.

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