Structural and catalytic properties of Zn_1−x Cu _x Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles

A series of zinc copper mixed ferrites having general formula Zn_1−x Cu _x Fe₂O₄ (x = 0.0, 0.25,0.50,0.75,1.0) have been synthesized by co-precipitation method. The average particle sizes of these ferrites as determined from XRD data using Scherer’s relation have been found to range from 10.45 to 18.39 nm. The samples have been characterized by XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, B.E.T.surface area and acidity measurements. These ferrites have been tested for their catalytic activity in alkylation of pyridine by methanol. The conversion of pyridine as well as yield to 3-methyl pyridine is found to be lowest in case of ZnFe₂O₄ which increases as the copper content is increased and is maximum for CuFe₂O₄. The results on the acidity measurements on these ferrites as well as structural properties support these results. CuFe₂O₄ is found to be highly selective for 3-methylpyridine.