Structure, morphology and photocatalytic properties of CoxMg1-xFe2O4 (0<x<1) spinel ferrites obtained by sol-gel synthesis

Abstract

Nanocrystalline cobalt magnesium ferrites with varying cobalt and magnesium content (CoxMg1-xFe2O4, 0<x<1) were synthesized using the sol-gel self-combustion method with citric acid as fuel, followed by calcination at 700 °C for 2 hours. Structural characterization was performed using Xray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. It confirmed the formation of agglomerated nanocrystalline ferrites with an inverse cubic spinel structure. The optical band gap energy was determined using UV/Vis spectrophotometry. It reduced with increased Co content. Visible light photocatalytic activity was tested using natural and artificial light sources through a series of experimental degradations of the methylene blue (MB) solution.