Copper Ferrite nanoparticles synthesised using a novel green synthesis route: Structural development and photocatalytic activity

The copper ferrite nanoparticles, recognized for their ferromagnetic characteristics, minimal conductiv-ity, and superior electrochemical stability, were synthesized by a facile auto combustion approach using egg white as fuel via a green synthesis route. CuFe2O4 nanoparticles' structural, morphological, and op-tical properties were examined. XRD is used to determine the phase formation, particle size, and lattice parameter of spinel ferrite. X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis were used to rigorously ex-amine the phase purity of the synthesized spinel ferrite. For morphological analysis, SEM and TEM were employed, whereas EDAX was used for elemental analyses. For a better knowledge of the conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) boundaries of the produced nanoparticles, optical experiments were conducted by UV Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. The degradation of Rhodamine B dye determined the photocatalytic competence of the synthesized sample under visible light. At regular intervals of time, the entire process was observed with a spectrophotometer. CuFe2O4 nanoparticles reveal a maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency of around 94%, which is higher than that of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles prepared via other chemical route.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V.