A novel method for the synthesize of nanostructured MgFe₂O₄ photocatalysts

Nanostructured MgFe₂O₄ magnetic photocatalysts are facilely synthesized by ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiation assisted polyacrylamide gel route. The influence of different irradiation doses on the morphologies, phase purity, energy bandgap, magnetic properties and photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were studied. The experimental results demonstrate that the phase purity, particle size, morphology, energy bandgap, magnetic properties and photocatalytic activity of MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles can be manipulated by the different irradiation doses. In particular, γ-ray irradiation improves the photocatalytic activity of MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles significantly. These MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles showed high efficiency for the degradation of methylene blue with simulated sunlight irradiation. These results bring up new ideas for the design of nanostructured MgFe₂O₄ magnetic photocatalysts with tuned magnetic properties and photocatalytic activity through a ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiation assisted polyacrylamide gel route.

Schematic representation of the polymerization reaction for MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticle synthesis, starting from acrylamide and bis-acrylamide (left). Mg-ferrite magnetic photocatalysts were synthesized by γ-ray irradiated assisted polyacrylamide gel route. Optimized utilization of irradiation dose, and sintering temperature allowed the formation of Mg-ferrite nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. In particular, γ-ray irradiation improves the magnetic properties and photocatalytic activity of MgFe₂O₄ magnetic photocatalysts significantly. This MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles showed high efficiency for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) with simulated sunlight irradiation.