New magnetic zeolite-based nanocomposites for photocatalytic, part 1: Synthesis and characterization.

Photocatalysis is considered to be the most efficient treatment as compared to the other methods and is suitable for highly cost-sensitivity and energy-restrictive applications. In this research, ZSM-5 and iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were synthesised, followed by reporting their applications. We are going to publish it into related communications. In part 1, we synthesized ZSM-5 by hydrothermal method and magnetic nanoparticles of Fe 3 O 4 using chemical co-precipitation. Then, the versatile ZSM-5/Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanocomposite was synthesised by in situ method and tested for its efficacy to degrade methylene blue using photocatalysis. This paper specifically reports the varying ratios of ZSM-5 and Fe 3 O 4 in the nanocomposites that are 1:1, 1:2 and 1:0.5 and as the concentration of Fe 3 O 4 varied, the properties of the nanocomposites changed as well. The physical and chemical properties of the three nanocomposites were studied thoroughly. Further, these nanocomposites were characterized by Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR). In addition to this, in a second communication part 2, a comparison study was conducted between the three nanocomposites to study their photocatalytic efficiency and magnetic behaviour to treat wastewater. ZSM-5 is an excellent adsorbent but it is hard to separate it after application. Fe 3 O 4 has less adsorption capacity but it is magnetic in nature so, it is easy to separate it after application. Hence, combining both will complement each other’s properties