Synthesis of needle like Mn-Zn bimetallic nanoparticles and its applications towards photocatalysis and as fuel additives

Needle-shaped Mn-Zn bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared using wet chemical synthesis through hydrothermal method. Mn-Zn obtained product was analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM and TEM analyses provide information regarding morphology of synthesised product. Results revealed Mn-Zn product is obtained as needle-shaped particles with thin and pointed edges. The synthesised bimetallic product was subjected to XRD analysis for composition and structural analysis. XRD results confirm the crystalline nature of product and further revealed lattice parameters and diffraction plane values. Bimetallic nanoparticles having unique properties are emerging materials in variety of applications because of synergistic effect. Photocatalytic and thermal catalytic degradation of Acid green 25 in aqueous media was catalysed in the presence of synthesised Mn-Zn as catalyst. Effect of parameters such as catalyst dose and H2O2 concentration on rate of degradation is also investigated. Mn-Zn showed more than 93% degradation at optimised conditions. Thermodynamic and kinetic evaluation of degradation is also discussed. Mn-Zn nanoneedles are further used as fuel additives to investigate physical and combustion properties of modified fuel. Efficiency of modified fuel is checked by studying fuel parameters at various Mn-Zn dosage.