Synthesis and characterization of magnesium zinc ferrite nanoparticles for catalytic hydrogen evolution

We have prepared Mg1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles (x values varying from 0.0 to 0.8 by 0.2 increments) for use as catalysts for hydrogen production in the methanolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The catalytic performance of the Mg1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles with different zinc content for hydrogen production were evaluated in the methanolysis of NaBH4 inside glass vessels. Different characterization techniques were used to analyse the prepared nanoparticles such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Transmission Electron microscopy STEM. The average size of Mg1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles was 10 nm. The largest energy band gap value was 4.77 eV for MgFe2O4 nanoparticles, while the lowest value was 2.89 eV for Mg0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4 nanoparticles. Mg0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles were proven as the catalysts with the highest hydrogeneration rate with a value of 15,957 mL min-1 g-1.