Simple sonochemical synthesis and characterization of nickel tungstate nanoparticles and its photocatalyst application

Nickel tungstate (NiWO4) nanoparticles were synthesized via a sonochemical method based on the reaction between nickel (II) nitrate hexahydrate and sodium tungstate dihydrate in an aqueous solution. To the best of authors' knowledge, it is the first time that nickel tungstate was synthesized by ultrasonic method. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as-obtained products were characterized by techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The samples indicated a paramagnetic behavior, as evidenced by using vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. To evaluate the catalytic properties of nanocrystalline nickel tungstate, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.