Zinc Iron Oxide Nanopowder (ZnFe2O4, 99.9%,<30nm)

Zinc Iron Oxide Nanopowder

Zinc iron oxide nanopowder (ZnFe₂O₄), also known as zinc ferrite, is a composite material consisting of zinc (Zn²⁺) and iron (Fe³⁺) oxide in a spinel structure. This nanopowder exhibits a combination of the characteristics of both zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), offering unique properties such as magnetic behavior, semiconducting nature, and high surface area.

Applications

Environmental Applications

Water Purification:
ZnFe₂O₄ nanopowder is an excellent adsorbent for removing heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic, and chromium) from contaminated water. Its high surface area and magnetic properties enable the easy separation of contaminants from water, making it an efficient material for water treatment and purification.

Pollutant Degradation:
ZnFe₂O₄ nanopowder is widely used in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, including dyes, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Under UV or visible light, the material generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that break down harmful organic compounds.

Air Purification:
ZnFe₂O₄ can be used in air filtration and purification systems, particularly for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic gases, due to its high reactivity and photocatalytic properties.

Energy Storage and Conversion

Batteries:
ZnFe₂O₄ nanopowder can be used in the development of high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and sodium-ion batteries. The material’s large surface area and high electrochemical stability make it an attractive option for enhancing the capacity and cycle life of these energy storage devices.

Supercapacitors:
As a component in supercapacitors, ZnFe₂O₄ nanopowder can improve the energy and power density of the device, providing rapid charge and discharge cycles for applications in energy storage systems.

Photovoltaic Devices:
Due to its semiconductor properties, ZnFe₂O₄ is being explored as a material for photoelectrodes in solar cells. Its ability to absorb visible light and participate in charge transport processes makes it a promising candidate for energy harvesting applications.

Catalysis

Catalytic Degradation of Pollutants:
ZnFe₂O₄ nanopowder exhibits excellent catalytic properties for the degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater, such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Its photocatalytic behavior under UV or visible light is a significant advantage for environmental cleanup.

Water Splitting:
The nanopowder is used as a photocatalyst for the water-splitting reaction, which produces hydrogen gas from water under sunlight. This process is part of the emerging field of hydrogen energy and clean fuel production.

Chemical Reactions:
ZnFe₂O₄ is also used in various organic synthesis reactions, such as the oxidation of alcohols or the reduction of nitro compounds, acting as a catalyst to facilitate chemical transformations.

Biomedical Applications

Drug Delivery:
Due to its magnetic properties, ZnFe₂O₄ nanopowder can be used for targeted drug delivery. By applying an external magnetic field, the nanopowder can be directed to specific areas of the body, such as tumors, allowing for localized and controlled drug release.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
ZnFe₂O₄ nanopowder can serve as a contrast agent in MRI due to its magnetic properties, enhancing image resolution and enabling better visualization of tissues or abnormalities.