Comprehensive study on structural, morphological, elemental, optical and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite-manganese oxide nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic application

This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive characterisation of Cobalt Ferrite-Manganese Oxide (CoFe₂O₄–Mn₂O₃) nanoparticles and their composites, aiming to explore their potential as effective photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue dye. The pure CoFe₂O₄ and Mn₂O₃ nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via the coprecipitation method, while the composites were fabricated using the sonochemical method. The synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis that confirmed the formation of crystalline CoFe₂O₄ and Mn₂O₃ nanoparticles with desired phase and high purity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided valuable information on the chemical bonding and functional groups present in the samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imaging exhibited the morphology and size distribution of the nanoparticles, while Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the elemental composition. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy revealed the optical properties of the materials, suggesting potential photocatalytic applications. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements demonstrated the magnetic properties of synthesized material, which could be advantageous for magnetic separation during the photocatalysis process. The photocatalytic performance of the material was evaluated in the degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation.