The effect of ruthenium substitution on the optical and magnetic properties of zinc ferrite nanoparticles

The preparation and characterization of ZnRuxFe2-xO4 (0.00 <= x <= 0.015) nanoparticles are reported in the current investigation. The successful synthesis of monocrystalline ZnRuxFe2-xO4, by wet coprecipitation method, with high purity and crystallinity in the nanoscale was confirmed via x-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The crystallite size of ZnRuxFe2-xO4 nanoparticles has decreased due to microstrain induced by Ru3+ substitution. EDX investigations have assured the elemental compositions of all prepared samples. The optical studies, conducted via UV-vis spectroscopy analysis, have shown an increase in both direct and indirect bandgap energies, in relation to the quantum size confinement effect. Additionally, PL studies have revealed UV and deep level emissions for all samples. The analysis of the PL spectra suggested an increase in the photocatalytic activity of Ru3+ substituted ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Finally, VSM studies have shown unsaturated M-H loops for all samples with a soft ferromagnetic signature at lower fields. The analysis of the magnetic parameters suggests the use of ZnRuxFe2-xO4 as magnetically recyclable photocatalysts.