Synthesis of nano cobalt ferrite by using starch-assisted hydrothermal method

Abstract

In this article, a synthesis of cobalt ferrite/carbonized starch from nitrate salt and starch precursors by using the hydrothermal method at different temperatures is presented. The products were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and thermal analysis. The results show that the obtained material has a large specific surface area (85.2 m²/g) and nano-sized particles with diameters of about 10–15 nm. Cobalt ferrite, with superparamagnetic properties and high magnetic saturation, has catalytic photodegradation activity and decomposes methylene blue. This material can be recovered when placed in a magnetic field. These results open up the possibility of applying nano cobalt ferrite in environmental treatment.