Synthesis of needle like Mn-Zn bimetallic nanoparticles and its applications towards photocatalysis and as fuel additives

ABSTRACT

Needle-shaped Mn-Zn bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared using wet chemical synthesis through hydrothermal method. Mn-Zn obtained product was analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM and TEM analyses provide information regarding morphology of synthesised product. Results revealed Mn-Zn product is obtained as needle-shaped particles with thin and pointed edges. The synthesised bimetallic product was subjected to XRD analysis for composition and structural analysis. XRD results confirm the crystalline nature of product and further revealed lattice parameters and diffraction plane values. Bimetallic nanoparticles having unique properties are emerging materials in variety of applications because of synergistic effect. Photocatalytic and thermal catalytic degradation of Acid green 25 in aqueous media was catalysed in the presence of synthesised Mn-Zn as catalyst. Effect of parameters such as catalyst dose and H₂O₂ concentration on rate of degradation is also investigated. Mn-Zn showed more than 93% degradation at optimised conditions. Thermodynamic and kinetic evaluation of degradation is also discussed. Mn-Zn nanoneedles are further used as fuel additives to investigate physical and combustion properties of modified fuel. Efficiency of modified fuel is checked by studying fuel parameters at various Mn-Zn dosage.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Mn-Zn bimetallic nanoparticles
• photocatalysis
• acid green 25: fuel additive

Highlights

• Needle-like bimetallic Mn-Zn nanoparticles were synthesized using solvothermal method.

• Synthesized product was used as catalyst for catalytic degradation of Acid Green 25.

• Mn-Zn showed good catalytic efficiency more than 93% removal of dye at optimized conditions.

• The properties of fuel was effective when used as additive material.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.