Nonstoichiometric Zn Ferrite and ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 Composite Spheres: Preparation, Magnetic Properties, and Chromium Removal

Abstract

Monodisperse and porous nonstoichiometric Zn ferrite can be prepared by a solvothermal method. Such non-Zn ferrite was used to be the precursor for synthesis of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite via calcination at 600°C for 3 h in air. X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) proved the nonstoichiometry of Zn ferrite synthesized by solvothermal method and the formation of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite via calcination. TEM image showed that non-Zn ferrite spheres with wormlike nanopore structure were made of primary nanocrystals. BET surface area of non-Zn ferrite was much higher than that of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite. Saturation magnetization of non-Zn ferrites was significantly higher than that of ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composites. Calcination of non-Zn ferrite resulted in the formation of large amount of non-magnetic Fe₂O₃,which caused a low magnetization of composite. Because of higher BET surface area and higher saturation magnetization, non-Zn ferrite presented better Cr⁶⁺ adsorption property than ZnFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ composites.