Exploring the Effects of pH on the Morphology and Optical Characteristics of ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles

In this paper, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method, aiming to investigate the effect of pH on their structural and optical properties. The synthesis was carried out at various pH levels of 7, 9, and 11, to explore how acidic and basic conditions can influence the characteristics of these nanoparticles. Structural analysis was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the phase composition and crystallinity of the nanoparticles. The XRD results revealed that as the pH increased from 7 to 11, the diffraction peaks became broader, indicating a reduction in crystalline size, which is a common phenomenon attributed to increased defects within the crystalline structure. This size reduction corresponds with an increase in dislocation density and strain within the samples, suggesting that higher pH environments lead to more significant structural alterations. Optical properties were investigated using a UV-Vis spectrometer. The optical analysis showed a noteworthy trend: as the pH increased from 7 to 11, the absorption capacity of the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles decreased. This reduction in absorption may imply a modification in band gap energy, which is crucial for potential applications in photonic devices and sensors.