title: ZnCr2O4 Nanoparticles: Facile Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Properties.
abstract: In this work, zinc chromite (ZnCr2O4) nanostructures have been synthesized through co-precipitation method. The effect of various parameters such as alkaline agent, pH value, and capping agent type was investigated on purity, particle size and morphology of samples. It was found that particle size and morphology of the products could be greatly influenced via these parameters. The synthesized products were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The superhydrophilicity of the calcined oxides was investigated by wetting experiments and a sessile drop technique which carried out at room temperature in air to determine the surface and interfacial interactions. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles was confirmed by degradation of anionic dyes such as Eosin-Y and phenol red under UV light irradiation. The obtained ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles exhibit a paramagnetic behavior although bulk ZnCr2O4 is antiferromagnetic, this change in magnetic property can be ascribed to finite size effects.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, Kashan, P. O. Box. 87317-51167, I. R. Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mousavi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, Kashan, P. O. Box. 87317-51167, I. R. Iran.
authors.forename: Faezeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Soofivand
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, Kashan, P. O. Box. 87317-51167, I. R. Iran.
authors.forename: Mahdiyeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esmaeili-Zare
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, Kashan, P. O. Box. 87317-51167, I. R. Iran.
authors.forename: Masoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salavati-Niasari
authors.affiliation: Nanotechnology &Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), IPS Building, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bagheri
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