Synthesis of Zn2TiO4@NiO core-shell nanoparticles using Zn2TiO4@Ni (OH)2 precursors and their application as adsorbent for the removal of ciprofloxacin

In the current study, Zn2TiO4@NiO core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) with different shell (NiO) thickness were successfully synthesized using Zn2TiO4@Ni(OH)2 precursors prepared via homogeneous precipitation. The synthesized Zn2TiO4@NiO core-shell NPs are analysed using different characterization techniques. Electron microscopy (FE-SEM and TEM) analyses confirm the formation of Zn2TiO4@NiO with hierarchical core-shell morphology. XPS analysis confirms the existence of Zn2+, Ti4+, Ni2+, Ni3+ and O2-in the Zn2TiO4@NiO cor-e-shell NPs. BET analysis indicates higher surface area of Zn2TiO4@NiO core-shell NPs compared to the con-stituents. Magnetic properties of Zn2TiO4@NiO core-shell NPs show superparamagnetic behavior at 300 K and weak ferromagnetic behavior at 5 K. The Zn2TiO4@NiO core-shell NPs have been explored as adsorbent for the removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and the adsorption follows Langmuir model.