Nanoarchitectonics of CdFe2O4 nanoparticles with different morphologies synthesized using a thermal decomposition approach and studies of their peroxidase-like activity

Abstract

In the current study, morphologically different CdFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by a facile thermal decomposition approach using Cd–Fe glycolates as precursors. Different morphologies (flake-like, raspberry, and hexagonal) of CdFe₂O₄ NPs were obtained by varying the reaction conditions. The CdFe₂O₄ NPs show morphology dependent magnetic properties and they exhibit superparamagnetism at 300 K and soft ferromagnetism at 5 K. The CdFe₂O₄ NPs exhibit peroxidase-like activity in the presence of H₂O₂, and their catalytic activity is better than that of horseradish peroxidase (HRP, a natural enzyme). The catalytic activity of CdFe₂O₄ NPs is affected by their morphology, particle size, surface area and the concentration of Fe³⁺ ions.