Contemporary Research Analysis Journal

This study reports the successful synthesis of Cu2O/ZnFe2O4 heterojunction nanocomposite via a facile hydrothermal method followed by ball milling. The pristine Cu2O and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using hydrothermal techniques at optimized temperatures (140–160 °C) and reaction times (6–10 hours). The composite formation was confirmed through comprehensive characterization including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis. XRD analysis confirmed the cubic cuprite phase of Cu2O (JCPDS No. 05-0667) and the cubic spinel structure of ZnFe2O4 (JCPDS No. 89-1012), with crystallite sizes of approximately 25 nm. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic metal–oxygen vibrations at 1339–924 cm⁻¹ (Cu–O) and 699 cm⁻¹ (Fe–O/Zn–O), confirming successful synthesis. The composite exhibited a BET surface area of 36.37 m²/g, significantly higher than pristine Cu2O (7.28 m²/g), with a mesoporous structure (Type IV isotherm, H3 hysteresis loop). FESEM micrographs revealed agglomerated nanoparticles with rough, porous morphology and intimate interfacial contact between Cu2O and ZnFe2O4 phases. PL spectroscopy demonstrated significant quenching of emission intensity in the composite, indicating effective suppression of electron–hole recombination. UV–Vis–NIR analysis yielded an optical band gap of approximately 2.6 eV, confirming visible light absorption capability. This comprehensive characterization confirms the successful formation of a type II heterojunction with enhanced charge separation properties, suitable for photocatalytic applications in wastewater treatment.

Cu2O/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite, hydrothermal synthesis, heterojunction, photocatalytic, characterization, spinel ferrite.

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