Influence of dextrose monohydrate on the optical properties and adsorption activity of Ni0.6Zn0.2Sb0.2Fe2O4 nanoferrites: towards multifunctional applications

Abstract

Dyes are noxious substances that are frequently found in industrial effluent. Metal ferrites are magnetic nano-adsorbents and may be affordable and effective in removing pollutants. Capping these nanoparticles increases their stability and prevents them from aggregating. In this investigation, Ni_0.6Zn_0.2Sb_0.2Fe₂O₄ (Ni_0.6Zn_0.2Sb_0.2F) nanoparticles were capped with different concentrations of dextrose monohydrate (D), forming Ni_0.6Zn_0.2Sb_0.2FD via the co-precipitation method. The optical properties of the samples were investigated by utilizing UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) to unveil their multifunctional potential. Several parameters were calculated, such as the band gap energy, which varied between 2.71 eV and 3.05 eV. Furthermore, the interstitial defects and the recombination process of electrons were also determined using PL. The adsorption activity of the synthesized Ni_0.6Zn_0.2Sb_0.2FD was investigated against the removal of methyl violet (MV). The best removal efficiency was achieved by Ni_0.6Zn_0.2Sb_0.2FD₁₀ with a value of 78.5%, and maximum adsorption capacity (q_max), q_max = 75.5 mg g⁻¹. This was attained by studying several parameters, including adsorbent dosage, MV concentration, pH, temperature, and time. The optimum experimental conditions were obtained at 10 ppm MV, pH = 7, and temperature 25 °C. The adsorption process was found to follow a pseudo-second-order model, and the experimental data fit well with the Temkin non-linear isotherm models.