Synthesis of TiO2-NiFe2O4 nanocomposites using coprecipitation method as photocatalyst for methylene blue removal

Abstract

Abstract Methylene blue, a basic dye that is important in the coloring process in the textile industry. However, the use of the dye Methylene blue is hazardous for the skin, the eyes, and swallowed. Three composition types of TiO2-NiFe2O4 nanocomposites (75:25, 50:50, and 25:75) had been synthesized using a simple coprecipitation method. The photodegradation and adsorption performance of the nanocomposites were also evaluated. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, both the titania anatase and nickel ferrite spinel phases appeared in each nanocomposite’s diffraction pattern. The average crystallite size of the nanocomposites was 38 nm, 33 nm, and 41 nm for compositions 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75, respectively. The optimum photodegradation activity of TiO2-NiFe2O4 nanocomposites was achieved at composition 75:25 %mol with >99% methylene blue degraded during 120 minutes of UV irradiation time. However, all nanocomposites also have adsorption capability toward methylene blue with an optimum percentage of 98%. Therefore, TiO2-NiFe2O4 nanocomposites can be used either as photocatalysts or adsorbents for methylene blue removal in an aqueous solution.