Study of structural, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of ZnFe2O4/ GO nanocomposites

The work presented focuses on the dependence of structural, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of ZnFe2O4/Graphene Oxide (GO)nanocomposites on GO concentration. The pure ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and graphene oxide were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and modified Hummer's method respectively. The ZnFe2O4 /GO nanocomposites with GO percentages of 1.6 %, 2.5 %, and 3.6 % were prepared by adding 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg of graphene oxide to zinc ferrite hydrothermal precursor. The structural investigations were done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The morphology of ZnFe2O4 nano-powders and ZnFe2O4 /GO nanocomposites were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. The energy band gap values of pure zinc ferrite and the nanocomposites were determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The magnetic and electrical property dependence on GO concentration was also investigated. Notably, observed alterations in electrical properties with increasing graphene oxide content, indicated that these nanocomposites may be used in electromagnetic interference shielding or sensor devices.