Preparation and Characterization of ZnFe2O4/Mn2O3 Nanocatalysts for the Degradation of Nitrobenzene

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis of pure ZnFe2O4, pure Mn2O3 nanoparticles and ZnFe2O4/Mn2O3 nanocomposites by a simple coprecipitation method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The prepared samples were further applied as photocatalysts for UV-exposed degradation of nitrobenzene at 254 nm. The photocatalytic performance showed that ZnFe2O4/Mn2O3 nanocomposites with various Mn2O3 content exhibited a higher activity compared to that of pure ZnFe2O4 and Mn2O3. Furthermore, among the prepared nanocomposites, the best photocatalytic performance was exhibited by 0.9ZnFe2O4/0.1Mn2O3 nanocomposites. The improved photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the separation of electron–hole pairs, as verified by PL analysis. To achieve the highest degradation rate, the photodegradation reaction was carried out in the presence of various catalyst doses, in acidic, neutral, and basic mediums and at different reaction temperatures. Finally, the compounds produced from the photodegradation reaction were determined by applying the optimal experimental conditions. © 2023, The Tunisian Chemical Society and Springer Nature Switzerland AG.