Preparation of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites and their adsorption of bovine serum albumin

► Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by the citrate-gel process. ► Their surface area is influenced by silica content and calcination temperature. ► The BAS adsorption on Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites is basically physical. ► The nanocomposite BAS adsorption capability is dramatically enhanced.