Green synthesis and characterization of magnetic and effective photocatalyst NiFe2O4–NiO nanocomposites

NiFe2O4 nanostructures were synthesized via a facile precipitation method using green capping agents such as starch, glucose, gelatin, salicylic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone in the water. Then nickel oxide and NiFe2O4–NiO (50:50%) nanocomposites were obtained by a simple chemical precipitation. The influence of concentration, surfactant, precipitating agent on the particle size and shape of the products were examined. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Vibrating sample magnetometer shows the ferromagnetic property of the ferrite nanostructures. The photocatalytic behaviour of nickel oxide was evaluated using the degradation of three azo dyes (acid blue, acid violet and acid black) under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. Our results confirm preparation of applicable nanocomposite with appropriate magnetic and photocatalytic performance. Interestingly outcomes show that photocatalysts can photo-degrade toxic dyes in <10 min.