Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of neodymium doped zinc ferrite nanoparticles prepared through a novel sol–gel method

Abstract

In the present study, for the first time ZnFe_2−xNd_xO₄ nanoparticles were prepared through a novel sol–gel method with the aid of zinc(II) nitrate, iron(III) nitrate, neodymium(III) nitrate and lactose without adding external surfactant. Lactose plays role as cap** agent and reducing agent in the synthesis of ZnFe_2−xNd_xO₄ nanoparticles. The formation of pure crystallized ZnFe_2−xNd_xO₄ nanoparticles occurred when the precursor was heat-treated at 800 °C in air for 2 h. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as-obtained products were characterized by techniques such as XRD, EDS, SEM, and UV–visible. The magnetic properties of as-prepared ZnFe_2−xNd_xO₄ nanoparticles were also investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer. To evaluate the photocatalyst properties of nanocrystalline ZnFe_2−xNd_xO₄, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.