Spinel ZnFe2O4 nanoplates embedded with Ag clusters: Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic application

This manuscript described a two-step method to fabricate nanocomposites composed of ZnFe2O4 nanoplates and Ag nanoparticles, which exhibit a good photocatalytic activity. ZnFe2O4 nanoplates were firstly synthesized through the co-precipitation reaction of Zn2+ and Fe3+ in the solution containing urea and oleic acid. Ag nanoparticles were introduced into the nanoplates through the reduction reaction of silver nitrate by ethylene glycol. The content and size of Ag nanoparticles were adjusted through the control of the reflux time of silver nitrate in ethylene glycol. Studies on the photocatalytic activity of Ag@ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites revealed that the irradiation of Xe lamp could drive them to induce the rapid decomposition of Rhodamine B. And the degradation rate was speeded as the increase of Ag weight content in the composite structure. The good photocatalytic activity of Ag@ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites was attributed to their unique structure, which can direct the flowing of electrons and holes towards opposite directions.