Preparation, structure and catalytic properties of ZnFe2O4

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanopowders were prepared by co-precipitation method from the corresponding nitrate precursors and thermal treating of the obtained precursor at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction and Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy were used for the characterization of the obtained materials. The results of X-ray analysis confirm formation of nanocrystalline zinc ferrite phase with cubic structure and crystallite size 6-46 nm depending on the annealing temperature. The obtained ferrites were tested as catalysts in methanol decomposition to CO and hydrogen. The analyses of the samples after the catalytic test reveal a significant phase transformation of the ferrite phase by the influence of the reaction medium.