Preparation and photocatalytic application of ZnFe2O4@ZnO core–shell nanostructures

•ZnFe2O4 microspheres were prepared using the hydrothermal method.•ZnO nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of Zn-ferrite spheres via sol–gel rout.•Results of VSM reveal that the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles are superparamagnetic.•Photocatalytic activity of ZnFe2O4@ZnO core–shell structured spheres was studied.

In this study, nanohallow ZnFe2O4 microspheres were synthesis by ZnCl2, FeCl3⋅6H2O and ammonium acetate using the hydrothermal method. Then, ZnFe2O4@ZnO core–shell structured spheres were prepared by using immobilization of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of Zn-ferrite spheres via sol–gel rout. SEM and TEM images showed morphology and core–shell structure of particles. Results of VSM illustrate that ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4@ZnO particles are superparamagnetic. Photocatalytic activity studies confirm that synthesised ZnFe2O4@ZnO core–shell sphere with molar ratio of 1:1 had excellent photodegradating behavior to methylene blue (MB) as compared to other core–shell ratios, pure ZnFe2O4 and pure ZnO.

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