Nickel ferrite nanoparticles: Chemical synthesis and photocatalytic efficiency for degradation of organic pollutants

Title : Nickel ferrite nanoparticles: Chemical synthesis and photocatalytic efficiency for degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract:

Currently, water pollution has become a global concern, primarily steered by the brominated fluorescein derivatives and nitro groups containing organic pollutants. Significantly soft NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NiF) were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. From XRD and FESEM data analysis particle size of the synthesized NiF NPs were found to be < 100 nm having cubic spinel structures with spherical morphologies. Their crystallite size and different microstructural parameters such as dislocation density, lattice constant, and cell volume were also determined. Double bands within 1000–400 cm-1 of FTIR spectra are suggested to correspond to the M–O bond at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. As photocatalysts these synthesized NiF NPs degraded 83.02% of aqueous EY and 88.00% of C6H5NO2, indicating their high effectiveness for degrading organic pollutants.

Keywords: Nanoparticle, Nickel ferrite, Co-precipitation method, Photocatalysis, Organic pollutants.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• As audiences are in diverse fields, by learning about this research, they gain valuable insights that can be applied in different fields or used as a foundation for further research and development
• Environmental engineers can apply the synthesized nickel ferrite nanoparticles as photocatalysts for degrading organic pollutants like eosin yellow and nitrobenzene in wastewater. They can use the provided data for Environmental Problem-Solving as well
• Scientists can learn about various characterization techniques (XRD, FESEM, FTIR etc.) and how to interpret the results for nickel ferrite nanoparticles. This knowledge can be applied to characterize similar nanomaterials in their research
• Researchers can use the information on how synthesis methods affect nanoparticle shape, size, and performance to optimize their own nanoparticle production processes
• The study demonstrates how to combine knowledge from materials science, chemistry, and environmental engineering, which can inspire interdisciplinary research projects
• The suggested scopes for future work provide a roadmap for researchers to expand on this study, exploring areas such as varied synthesis conditions, and new applications
• The research findings can be directly used by environmental engineers and wastewater treatment professionals to create more effective photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, using the new nanoparticle synthesis methods
• Industry Professionals will be able to focus on preparing natural dyes to replace the detrimental uses of many synthetic dyes, which are harmful to the environment
• The detailed laboratory procedure for the application of photocatalysis can help water quality monitors assessing different conditions such as pH, temperature, and time intervals
• This research offers exciting possibilities for faculty members across various fields to expand their research and teaching. Other faculty members could utilize this research by applying the objectives and scopes outlined in the future section
• Faculty in environmental science could expand on this research to study the degradation of other pollutants. This will be a valuable starting point for exploring innovative approaches to water purification and environmental remediation
• Those working on new material innovation can incorporate transition metals other than Nickel in ferrites, as the positions of cations and anions in the ferrite structure alternate with different characteristics
• The physics faculty can further explore the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles. This may involve studying how synthesis methods or modifications impact the magnetic behavior of nanoparticles. The findings could lead to new applications in fields such as magnetic data storage or targeted drug delivery
• The future scope of this research in Chemistry involves the investigation of modifying nano ferrite with surfactants, and natural/synthetic polymers. This is because they have greater adsorption capabilities, are very selective for particular types of pollutants, can reduce toxicity, retain magnetic properties, and stable against oxidation changes
• The potential future of this research could open doors for the researchers exploring the utilization of various plant extracts for nanoparticle synthesis. As the active components in plant extracts possess sufficient anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that could be effective in biological applications, it can be integrated into educational modules on nanomaterial synthesis, prompting students to investigate alternative botanical materials for nanoparticle production 
• This research offers several practical solutions that can simplify and improve the work of designers, particularly those involved in nanomaterial development and wastewater treatment applications
• By using the co-precipitation method to synthesize nanoparticles, one can simplify the process by using fewer expensive materials, reducing reaction times, and adjusting to different aqueous systems. Thus, streamlines the design process for efficient nanoparticle production
• Nickel ferrite nanoparticles have shown high photocatalytic efficiency in breaking down pollutants such as eosin yellow dye and nitrobenzene. This provides a practical solution for creating effective photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and also opens up opportunities to develop advanced materials with well-organized properties. This allows designers to explore innovative nanostructures for various applications
• The research provides detailed characterization data using techniques like XRD, FESEM, and FTIR. This data helps designers understand the properties of the nanoparticles, such as size, morphology, and crystallinity. With this knowledge, designers can precisely control the synthesis process to achieve nanoparticles with desired characteristics for specific applications
• The photocatalytic performance data can guide the design of a more efficient water treatment system. By understanding how these nanoparticles degrade pollutants, designers can optimize treatment processes and ensure the desired level of pollutant removal

List all other benefits:

• Suggests potential applications in heavy metal removal and biological fields, opening doors for further exploration
• The discussion about future scope could open up new opportunities for researchers who will conduct their research using plant sources.
• They will compare chemical methods with greener methods and utilize more advanced characterization techniques. For example, they may use HR-TEM investigation to assess the structure of nickel-ferrite nanostructures and gain a better understanding of their surface morphology.
• Additionally, they may use vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) to examine the magnetic characteristics of the nanoparticles.
• Furthermore, they may perform photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) analysis of the nano-catalyst to comprehend its photodegradation mechanism

Biography:

Miss Samiya Fariha, from Chittagong, Bangladesh, completed her B.Sc. Honors in Chemistry in 2022 and her MS in Physical Chemistry in 2023 from the University of Chittagong. Under the supervision of Professor Dr. Shamim Akhtar, she conducted research on nickel ferrite nanoparticles' chemical synthesis and their use in degrading organic pollutants in the Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, and Catalysis Laboratory (NRCL), in the Department of Chemistry, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh. She analyzed the XRD, FESEM, and FTIR data for this purpose. Her interest lies in developing low-cost, eco-friendly processes for synthesizing and modifying nanoparticles for important applications.