Preparation of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and its visible-light-driven photoactivity for hydrogen production

Magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal and calcination process. The obtained NiFe2O4 with an average diameter of 17.8 nm and specific surface area of 76.2 m2 g− 1 is first used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production, and exhibits an obvious visible-light-driven photoactivity, and therefore is promising in the practical application as a magnetically separable and visible-light-responsive photocatalyst without Pt-loading.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Nanosized NiFe2O4 was firstly used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production. ► Visible-light-driven photoactivity and remarkable stability ► Without Pt-loading and easy to be separated under an external magnetic field