Hydrothermal method for synthesizing ZnFe^sub 2^O^sub 4^ nanoparticles, photo-degradation of Rhodamine B by ZnFe^sub 2^O^sub 4^ and thermal stable PS-based nanocomposite

In this work at the first step, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrothermal method. It was investigated that the size and morphology of ZnFe2O4 was affected by the ligand and reductant agent. 2-hydroxyacetophenone was used as a good capping agent to produce uniform rice-like nanostructure. The prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Alternating gradient force magnetometer was demonstrated ferromagnetic behavior of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic behavior of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticle (band gap 2 eV) was evaluated using the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation (81 %). A composite was obtained while the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were added to polystyrene. The influence of ZnFe2O4 on the thermal properties of polymer matrix was studied using thermogravimetry analysis. Thermal decomposition of the polystyrene was shifted towards higher temperature (60 °C) in the presence of the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles.