Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of neodymium doped zinc ferrite nanoparticles prepared through a novel sol–gel method

In the present study, for the first time ZnFe2−xNdxO4 nanoparticles were prepared through a novel sol–gel method with the aid of zinc(II) nitrate, iron(III) nitrate, neodymium(III) nitrate and lactose without adding external surfactant. Lactose plays role as capping agent and reducing agent in the synthesis of ZnFe2−xNdxO4 nanoparticles. The formation of pure crystallized ZnFe2−xNdxO4 nanoparticles occurred when the precursor was heat-treated at 800 °C in air for 2 h. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as-obtained products were characterized by techniques such as XRD, EDS, SEM, and UV–visible. The magnetic properties of as-prepared ZnFe2−xNdxO4 nanoparticles were also investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer. To evaluate the photocatalyst properties of nanocrystalline ZnFe2−xNdxO4, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.