Synthesis of ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites immobilized on graphene with enhanced photocatalytic activity under solar light irradiation

Magnetically recyclable ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites immobilized on different content of graphene with favorable photocatalytic activity under solar light irradiation were successfully prepared on the basis of an ultrasound aided solution method. The molar ratio of ZnFe2O4 to ZnO and the content of graphene could be controlled by adjusting the amount of zinc salts and graphene oxide dispersions. The most excellent photocatalytic activity under solar light irradiation was displayed when the molar ratio of ZnFe2O4 to ZnO was 0.1 and the weight ratio of graphene to ZnFe2O4/ZnO was 0.04. Furthermore, the presence of magnetical ZnFe2O4 will facilitate the recycling process of photocatalyst nanoparticles.

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► ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites immobilized on graphene were successfully prepared.
► The photocatalyst exhibited excellent reactivity under solar light irradiation.
► The photocatalysts could be recycled by external magnetic field conveniently.
► The photocatalytic mechanism of the novel material was proposed in detail.