Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Large scale hybrid magnetic ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite with highly photocatalytic activity for water splitting

  • Research paper
  • Published:
Journal of Nanoparticle Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Upscale production of hybrid magnetic ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposites (ZFTs) with various mass loading of 30–90 wt% TiO2 was synthesized to improve the water splitting and hydrogen production via photocatalytic process under visible irradiation. Physicochemical characteristics such as structure, morphology, magnetic, and photocatalytic activities were studied in details. The TEM observations confirm that ZnFe2O4 and TiO2 are strongly coupled as spherical nanoparticles around 6–8 nm. The absorption of TiO2 was shifted to the visible region and the lowest PL intensity of ZFT70 nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to the other nanocomposites. The ZFT70 photocurrent was five times higher than single TiO2 and ZnFe2O4 phases, indicating enhanced photo induced electron and hole separation. This can be considered earnest green technology process for harvesting visible light using heterostructure photocatalysts with amazing scope application, especially for hydrogen production through photo water splitting process. Seventy percent hydrogen yield was obtained at 9021 μmol/h g of ZnFe2O4/TiO2 as a promising material for producing alternative green energy.

Graphical abstract

Intelligent nanocomposite act as energy harvesting materials for hydrogen production.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmed SN, Inam A, Haider W (2019) γ-Fe2O3 photocatalyst immobilized on a porous Ni substrate for recyclable solar photocatalysis. J Nanopart Res 21(11):238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson C, Bard AJ (1997) Improved photocatalytic activity and characterization of mixed TiO2/SiO2 and TiO2/Al2O3 materials. J Phys Chem B 101(14):2611–2616

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cai C, Zhang Z, Liu J, Shan N, Zhang H, Dionysiou DD (2016) Visible light-assisted heterogeneous Fenton with ZnFe2O4 for the degradation of Orange II in water. Appl Catal B Environ 182:456–468

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Diab KR, el-Maghrabi HH, Nada AA, Youssef AM, Hamdy A, Roualdes S, Abd el-Wahab S (2018) Facile fabrication of NiTiO3/graphene nanocomposites for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 365:86–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Do Y et al (1994) The effect of WO3 on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. J Solid State Chem 108(1):198–201

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Maghrabi HH et al (2016) One pot environmental friendly nanocomposite synthesis of novel TiO2-nanotubes on graphene sheets as effective photocatalyst. Egypt J Pet 25(4):575–584

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El-Maghrabi HH et al (2018a) Synthesis of mesoporous core-shell CdS@ TiO2 (0D and 1D) photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen fuel production. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 351:261–270

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Maghrabi H et al (2018b) Photocorrosion resistant Ag2CO3@ Fe2O3/TiO2-NT nanocomposite for efficient visible light photocatalytic degradation activities. J Hazard Mater 360:250–256

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gan J, Lu X, Tong Y (2014) Towards highly efficient photoanodes: boosting sunlight-driven semiconductor nanomaterials for water oxidation. Nanoscale 6(13):7142–7164

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao Y, Chen B, Li H, Ma Y (2003) Preparation and characterization of a magnetically separated photocatalyst and its catalytic properties. Mater Chem Phys 80(1):348–355

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harish K, Bhojya Naik H (2013) Solar light active ZnFe2-xAlxO4 materials for optical and photocatalytic activity: an efficient photocatalyst. Int J Sci Res 1(4):301–307

    Google Scholar 

  • Hotchandani S, Kamat PV (1992) Charge-transfer processes in coupled semiconductor systems. Photochemistry and photoelectrochemistry of the colloidal cadmium sulfide-zinc oxide system. J Phys Chem 96(16):6834–6839

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jang JS, Li W, Oh SH, Lee JS (2006) Fabrication of CdS/TiO2 nano-bulk composite photocatalysts for hydrogen production from aqueous H2S solution under visible light. Chem Phys Lett 425(4–6):278–282

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang X, Wang Z, Zhang X, Jiang G, Peng Y, Xu S, Cao M, Dai X, Liu Z, Ma J (2019) Enhanced photocatalytic activity of biosynthesized Au-Ag/TiO2 catalyst by removing excess anchored biomolecules. J Nanopart Res 21(10):211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiu J, Nogi M, Sugahara T, Suganuma K, Tsujimoto M, Isoda S (2012) Ag/TiO2 core–shell nanocables prepared with a one-step polyol process. J Nanopart Res 14(11):1241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kawrani S, Nada AA, Bekheet MF, Boulos M, Viter R, Roualdes S, Miele P, Cornu D, Bechelany M (2020a) Enhancement of calcium copper titanium oxide photoelectrochemical performance using boron nitride nanosheets. Chem Eng J 389:124326

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kawrani S, Boulos M, Bekheet MF, Viter R, Nada AA, Riedel W, Roualdes S, Cornu D, Bechelany M (2020b) Segregation of copper oxide on calcium copper titanate surface induced by Graphene Oxide for Water splitting applications. Appl Surf Sci 516:146051

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Landi S Jr, Carneiro J, Ferdov S, Fonseca AM, Neves IC, Ferreira M, Parpot P, Soares OSGP, Pereira MFR (2017) Photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye by cotton textile coated with SiO2-TiO2 and SiO2-TiO2-HY composites. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 346:60–69

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lei J, Shao Q, Wang X, Wei Q, Yang L, Li H, Huang Y, Hou B (2017) ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite films for photocathodic protection of 304 stainless steel under visible light. Mater Res Bull 95:253–260

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Wang H, Peng S (2014) Tunable photodeposition of MoS2 onto a composite of reduced graphene oxide and CdS for synergic photocatalytic hydrogen generation. J Phys Chem C 118(34):19842–19848

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McDonald KJ, Choi K-S (2011) Synthesis and photoelectrochemical properties of Fe2O3/ZnFe2O4 composite photoanodes for use in solar water oxidation. Chem Mater 23(21):4863–4869

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meng X, Zhuang Y, Tang H, Lu C (2018) Hierarchical structured ZnFe2O4@ SiO2@ TiO2 composite for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. J Alloys Compd 761:15–23

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nada AA, Nasr M, Viter R, Miele P, Roualdes S, Bechelany M (2017) Mesoporous ZnFe2O4@ TiO2 nanofibers prepared by electrospinning coupled to PECVD as highly performing photocatalytic materials. J Phys Chem C 121(44):24669–24677

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nada AA, Tantawy HR, Elsayed MA, Bechelany M, Elmowafy ME (2018) Elaboration of nano titania-magnetic reduced graphene oxide for degradation of tartrazine dye in aqueous solution. Solid State Sci 78:116–125

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nada AA, Bekheet MF, Viter R, Miele P, Roualdes S, Bechelany M (2019) BN/GdxTi (1-x) O (4-x)/2 nanofibers for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light. Appl Catal B Environ 251:76–86

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nasr M et al (2016) Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance of electrospun rGO/TiO2 composite nanofibers. J Phys Chem C 121(1):261–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nasrallah N, Kebir M, Koudri Z, Trari M (2011) Photocatalytic reduction of Cr (VI) on the novel hetero-system CuFe2O4/CdS. J Hazard Mater 185(2–3):1398–1404

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen TB, Doong R-a (2016) Fabrication of highly visible-light-responsive ZnFe 2 O 4/TiO 2 heterostructures for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. RSC Adv 6(105):103428–103437

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen TB, Doong R-a (2017) Heterostructured ZnFe 2 O 4/TiO 2 nanocomposites with a highly recyclable visible-light-response for bisphenol A degradation. RSC Adv 7(79):50006–50016

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen TB, Huang CP, Doong R-A (2019) Photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A over a ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite under visible light. Sci Total Environ 646:745–756

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Okazaki S, Okuyama T (1983) Nb2O5 supported on TiO2. Catalytic activity for reduction of NO with NH3. Bull Chem Soc Jpn 56(7):2159–2160

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pal M, Mathews NR, Sanchez-Mora E, Pal U, Paraguay-Delgado F, Mathew X (2015) Synthesis of CuS nanoparticles by a wet chemical route and their photocatalytic activity. J Nanopart Res 17(7):301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rana S, Srivastava RS, Sorensson MM, Misra RDK (2005) Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles with magnetic core and photocatalytic shell: anatase TiO2–NiFe2O4 system. Mater Sci Eng B 119(2):144–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schlicht S, Assaud L, Hansen M, Licklederer M, Bechelany M, Perner M, Bachmann J (2016) An electrochemically functional layer of hydrogenase extract on an electrode of large and tunable specific surface area. J Mater Chem A 4(17):6487–6494

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sheikh A, Yengantiwar A, Deo M, Kelkar S, Ogale S (2013) Near-field plasmonic functionalization of light harvesting oxide–oxide heterojunctions for efficient solar photoelectrochemical water splitting: the AuNP/ZnFe2O4/ZnO system. Small 9(12):2091–2096

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen J, Meng Y, Xin G (2011) CdS/TiO 2 nanotubes hybrid as visible light driven photocatalyst for water splitting. Rare Metals 30(1):280–283

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen P, Lofaro JC Jr, Woerner WR, White MG, Su D, Orlov A (2013) Photocatalytic activity of hydrogen evolution over Rh doped SrTiO3 prepared by polymerizable complex method. Chem Eng J 223:200–208

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen M, Chen S, Jia W, Fan G, Jin Y, Liang H (2016) Highly efficient and porous TiO2-coated Ag@Fe3O4@C-Au microspheres for degradation of organic pollutants. J Nanopart Res 18(12):356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song XC, Yang E, Liu G, Zhang Y, Liu ZS, Chen HF, Wang Y (2010) Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Mo-doped WO3 nanowires. J Nanopart Res 12(8):2813–2819

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Štengl V, Bakardjieva S, Murafa N, Houšková V, Lang K (2008) Visible-light photocatalytic activity of TiO2/ZnS nanocomposites prepared by homogeneous hydrolysis. Microporous Mesoporous Mater 110(2–3):370–378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun S, Yang X, Zhang Y, Zhang F, Ding J, Bao J, Gao C (2012) Enhanced photocatalytic activity of sponge-like ZnFe2O4 synthesized by solution combustion method. Prog Nat Sci Mater Int 22(6):639–643

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uddin MT, Nicolas Y, Olivier C, Toupance T, Müller MM, Kleebe HJ, Rachut K, Ziegler J, Klein A, Jaegermann W (2013) Preparation of RuO2/TiO2 mesoporous heterostructures and rationalization of their enhanced photocatalytic properties by band alignment investigations. J Phys Chem C 117(42):22098–22110

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wade J (2005) An investigation of TiO2-ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites for visible light photocatalysis

  • Wang Q, Jiang Z, Wang Y, Chen D, Yang D (2009) Photocatalytic properties of porous C-doped TiO2 and Ag/C-doped TiO2 nanomaterials by eggshell membrane templating. J Nanopart Res 11(2):375–384

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Yu J, Xiao W, Li Q (2014) Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of graphene based Au–TiO 2 photocatalysts for efficient visible-light hydrogen production. J Mater Chem A 2(11):3847–3855

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xiang Q, Yu J, Jaroniec M (2011) Enhanced photocatalytic H 2-production activity of graphene-modified titania nanosheets. Nanoscale 3(9):3670–3678

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xin Y, Gao M, Wang Y, Ma D (2014) Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of 4-nonylphenol in water with WO3/TiO2 nanotube array photoelectrodes. Chem Eng J 242:162–169

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang F, Li X, Zhao Q, Zhang D (2016) Rational design of ZnFe2O4/In2O3 nanoheterostructures: efficient photocatalyst for gaseous 1, 2-dichlorobenzene degradation and mechanistic insight. ACS Sustain Chem Eng 4(9):4554–4562

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng XL, Dinh CT, de Arquer FPG, Zhang B, Liu M, Voznyy O, Li YY, Knight G, Hoogland S, Lu ZH, du XW, Sargent EH (2016) ZnFe2O4 leaves grown on TiO2 trees enhance photoelectrochemical water splitting. Small 12(23):3181–3188

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Acknowledges the support from the French Embassy in Egypt (Institute Français d’Egypte) and Academy of Scientific Research & Technology - Egypt (ASRT) in the frame of IMHOTEP 2018–2019.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

    Mohamed A. Draz, Ayman Abdel Razik & Alaa El-sayed Amin

  2. Refining Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Cairo, 11727, Egypt

    Heba H. El-Maghrabi & Fathi S. Soliman

  3. Department of Analysis and Evaluation, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Nasr City, Cairo, P.B. 11727, Egypt

    Hanaa Selim, Yasser M. Moustafa, A. Hamdy & Amr A. Nada

Authors
  1. Mohamed A. Draz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Heba H. El-Maghrabi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Fathi S. Soliman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hanaa Selim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ayman Abdel Razik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Alaa El-sayed Amin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Yasser M. Moustafa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. A. Hamdy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Amr A. Nada
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amr A. Nada.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

ESM 1

(DOCX 1762 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Draz, M.A., El-Maghrabi, H.H., Soliman, F.S. et al. Large scale hybrid magnetic ZnFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite with highly photocatalytic activity for water splitting. J Nanopart Res 23, 10 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-020-05122-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-020-05122-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation