Synthesis of Zn1−xCoxFe2O4/MWCNTs nanocomposites using reverse micelle method: Investigation of their structural, magnetic, electrical, optical and photocatalytic properties

Zn1−xCoxFe2O4/MWCNTs (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) nanocomposites have been synthesized via reverse micelle method using functionalized carbon nanotubes. Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed the cubic spinel structure with Fd-3m space group without interfering the peak of CNTs. The fundamental Raman scattering peaks at 310, 460 and 662 cm−1 have been observed due to different vibrational frequencies of Fe3+, Co2+ and Zn2+ cations. Transmission Electron Micrographs (TEM) confirmed the attachment of nanoferrite particles on the surface of negatively charged CNTs. The saturation magnetization increased with Co2+ doping, however, no pronounced value of coercivity has been observed suggesting the superparamagnetic character. An increase in conductivity with increase in cobalt ion doping has been observed due to increase in hopping of electron between Co2+-Co3+ ion pair. ZnFe2O4/MWCNTs composite has been found the best suitable visible light driven catalyst for the degradation of Rodhamine B (50 µM) with upto 99% in 5 h.