Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of in situ ZnFe2O4 functionalized rGO nano hybrids through modified solvothermal approach

•Zn-(FeO2)2-functionalized reduced graphene oxide nano hybrids were synthesized.•Solvent comprising of ethanol and water in a definite proportion was used.•Ferrite particles of sizes as low as 24 nm functionalized the reduced graphene oxide.•The optoelectronics response of ferrites and their nano hybrids were analyzed.•The structure property relationship was carried out for these materials.

Graphene, honeycomb structure of carbon having exceptional characteristics have attracted researcher’s interest and is now being studied and used in numerous technological areas and next generation nano devices. In this research work, reduced graphene oxide was functionalized with magnetic nano crystals, i.e. ZnFe2O4 via modified solvothermal approach. X-ray diffraction and Micro Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm structural aspects of synthesized graphene oxide and ZnFe2O4 pristine magnetic nano crystals and the functionalized rGO-ZnFe2O4 nano hybrid. Morphology were analyzed through SEM showing that the particles sizes were in between 24 and 27 nm range attached to reduced graphene oxide sheets while composition and valence state of functional groups were analyzed through XPS. UV–Vis spectroscopy was carried out for analyzing their optical absorption behavior. Their optical characteristics were explained in depth in relation with their structural aspects and functionalization behavior.