A low-cost and eco-friendly viable approach for green synthesis of NiFe2−xDyxO4 nanoparticles using lactose

In the present study, for the first time NiFe2−xDyxO4 nanoparticles were prepared through a novel sol–gel route with the aid of nickel (II) nitrate, iron (III) nitrate, dysprosium (III) nitrate and lactose without adding external surfactant. lactose played role as caping agent and reducing agent to produce NiFe2−xDyxO4 nanoparticles. The formation of pure crystallized NiFe2−xDyxO4 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 NiFe2−xDyxO4 nanoparticles were also investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer. To evaluate the photocatalyst properties of nanocrystalline ZnFe2−xLaxO4, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.