Large scale hybrid magnetic ZnFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2 nanocomposite with highly photocatalytic activity for water splitting

Upscale production of hybrid magnetic ZnFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2 nanocomposites (ZFTs) with various mass loading of 30–90 wt% TiO 2 was synthesized to improve the water splitting and hydrogen production via photocatalytic process under visible irradiation. Physicochemical characteristics such as structure, morphology, magnetic, and photocatalytic activities were studied in details. The TEM observations confirm that ZnFe 2 O 4 and TiO 2 are strongly coupled as spherical nanoparticles around 6–8 nm. The absorption of TiO 2 was shifted to the visible region and the lowest PL intensity of ZFT70 nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to the other nanocomposites. The ZFT70 photocurrent was five times higher than single TiO 2 and ZnFe 2 O 4 phases, indicating enhanced photo induced electron and hole separation. This can be considered earnest green technology process for harvesting visible light using heterostructure photocatalysts with amazing scope application, especially for hydrogen production through photo water splitting process. Seventy percent hydrogen yield was obtained at 9021 μmol/h g of ZnFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2 as a promising material for producing alternative green energy. Graphical abstract Intelligent nanocomposite act as energy harvesting materials for hydrogen production.