New Insights into Mn1−xZnxFe2O4 via Fabricating Magnetic Photocatalyst Material BiVO4/Mn1−xZnxFe2O4

BiVO₄/Mn1-xZnxFe₂O₄ was prepared by the impregnation roasting method. XRD (X-ray Diffractometer) tests showed that the prepared BiVO₄ is monoclinic crystal, and the introduction of Mn1-xZnxFe₂O₄ does not change the crystal structure of BiVO₄. The introduction of a soft-magnetic material, Mn1-xZnxFe₂O₄, was beneficial to the composite photocatalyst's separation from the liquid solution using an extra magnet after use. UV-vis spectra analysis indicated that Mn1-xZnxFe₂O₄ enhanced the absorption intensity of visible light for BiVO₄. EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) investigation revealed that the introduction of Mn1-xZnxFe₂O₄ enhanced the conductivity of BiVO₄, further decreasing its electron transfer impedance. The photocatalytic efficiency of BiVO₄/Mn1-xZnxFe₂O₄ was higher than that of pure BiVO₄. In other words, Mn1-xZnxFe₂O₄ could enhance the photocatalytic reaction rate.