ZnFe2O4-TiO2 Nanoparticles within Mesoporous MCM-41. (31st July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, Aidong; Deng, Yuehua; Jin, Jiao; Yang, Huaming
• Other Names: Gorrasi G. Academic Editor.; Hur S. H. Academic Editor.; Koetz J. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-07-31
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1100/2012/480527
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : A novel nanocomposite ZnFe2 O4 -TiO2 /MCM-41 (ZTM) was synthesized by a sol-gel method and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry. The results confirmed the incorporation of ZnFe2 O4 -TiO2 nanoparticles inside the pores of the mesoporous MCM-41 host without destroying its integrity. ZnFe2 O4 nanoparticles can inhibit the transformation of anatase into rutile phase of TiO2 . Incorporation of ZnFe2 O4 -TiO2 within MCM-41 avoided the agglomeration of nanoparticles and reduced the band gap energy of TiO2 to enhance its visible light photocatalytic activity. UV-vis absorption edges of ZTM nanocomposites redshifted with the increase of Zn/Ti molar ratio. The nanocomposite approach could be a potential choice for enhancing the photoactivity of TiO2, indicating an interesting application in the photodegradation and photoelectric fields.