2nd Progress Report

(01/01/2023 to 30/06/2023)
on
Perovskite oxide based multifunctional nanocomposites and nanohybrids for
environmental applications

Submitted to

University School of Basic & Applied Sciences

By

VENUS SHARMA

Research Scholar

(Enrol. No 06740890021)

Date of Registration- 20/12/2021

Under the supervision of

Dr. Satyabrata Mohapatra
Associate Professor, USBAS

University School of Basic & Applied Sciences

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Dwarka, Sector- 16 C, New Delhi- 110078
We have performed extensive literature survey on the research topic and included the

relevant references in the last report. Manuscripts based on these results are currently under

preparation and will be communicated in international journals shortly. The following is the

summary of the research work carried out during this period and the plan for the next term.

SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH WORK DONE

Copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) nanostructures were synthesized by simple solid state reaction

method followed by sintering and by co-precipitation method. The effects of doping

concentration on Hydroelectric cell in ecofriendly energy generation of the synthesized

CuFe2O4 nanostructures were successfully studied. CuFe2O4 nanostructures were prepared

using different concentration of Li, Na and K salt doping are referred to as C, C1and C2,

respectively. The structural, optical properties will be studied using X-Ray diffraction (XRD),

field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence (PL)

spectroscopy.

Spinel soft ferrites (MFe2O4, where M represents a metal or a group of metallic elements

with a total valence of 2+) are among the most significant groups of magnetic materials,

owing to their intriguing properties. One of the intriguing soft ferrites is copper ferrite,

CuFe2O4, which possesses an inverse spinel structure with Cu2+ cations occupying

octahedral sites. Spinel ferrites, known for their high electrical resistivity and exceptional

magnetic properties, are ideal for contemporary technological applications. Copper ferrite

nanoparticles (NPs) find utility in various biomedical fields, wastewater treatment, catalysis

and various electrical applications.

This study of CuFe2O4 aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CuFe 2O4, outlining its

chemical structure, properties, synthesis methods, and its application in green energy field as

hydroelectric cell. Comprehending the chemical composition and crystal lattice arrangement
of copper ferrite is essential for harnessing its versatile applications across various

disciplines.

In this study, we explore the solid-state synthesis technique as well as co-precipitation

method utilized for generating both pure and alkali (Li, Na, K) CuFe 2O4, emphasizing the

significance of controlled fabrication methods in customizing its properties for hydroelectric

cell applications.

In addition to its significance in hydroelectric cell applications, CuFe 2O4 finds diverse

applications across various fields, including energy storage, catalysis, sensing and

photovoltaics. Moreover, CuFe2O4's photocatalytic properties position it as a promising

contender for environmental remediation and solar energy conversion technologies.

As researchers delve deeper into novel synthesis methods and uncover the untapped potential

of CuFe2O4, it becomes increasingly evident that this compound holds the key to addressing

some of the most urgent challenges in energy, environmental sustainability, and beyond. This

research report seeks to enrich the collective understanding of CuFe 2O4 and stimulate

additional exploration into its myriad possibilities.

Following the solid-state synthesis of pure and alkali-doped CuFe 2O4 and subsequent pre-

sintering of these powders, the mixture was pressed in a hydraulic press under 4-6 tons of

pressure to form a pellet with dimensions of 2.5×2.5×0.1 cm³. Sintering was then carried out

at 600°C for a duration of 4 hours, aiming to generate maximum oxygen-deficient surfaces

with a nano-porous microstructure, thereby facilitating optimal water molecule dissociation.

To complete the assembly, electrodes made of zinc and silver were applied to both faces of

the pellet. This process sets the stage for the efficient operation of the hydroelectric cell.

Similar process has been followed for powder synthesized by co-precipitation method.

In this study, we assessed the efficiency of hydroelectric cells based on pure CuFe 2O4, K-

doped CuFe2O4, Na-doped CuFe2O4, and Li-doped CuFe2O4. Our results revealed that K-
doped CuFe2O4 and Na-doped CuFe2O4 exhibited the highest current and voltage, as

indicated in the table.

Results and Discussion:

The experimental results unveiled notable distinctions in the electrical properties between

pure CuFe2O4 and K-doped, Na- doped CuFe2O4 samples. While pure CuFe2O4 displayed

moderate electrical conductivity, later two showcased significantly enhanced conductivity.

CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM THE WORK

1. CoFe2O4 nanostructures were synthesized by solid state reaction method.

2. The crystallite size of CoFe 2O4 nanostructures decreased from 47 to 34 nm as Li doping

concentration was increased from 0 to 20%.

3. The average sizes of CoFe2O4 nanostructures were found to vary from 225 to 150 nm with

change in Li doping.

4. The emission peaks are found at 470nm, 463nm and 440nm corresponds to samples CF,

CF1 and CF2 respectively. With the Li doping in CoFe 2O4, the intensity of its emission

peaks increased.

PLAN OF WORK FOR NEXT TERM

With the continuation of the work, we next plan to synthesize BiFeO 3 and BaTiO3 by solid

state reaction method and facile wet chemical methods. The structural, optical and

photocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanomaterials will be studied by using X-ray

diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy

(TEM), Raman spectroscopy and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Results obtained will

be analyzed, presented in International/ National Conferences and published in International

Journals of repute.

PAPERS PUBLISHED IN INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS:

None

PAPERS UNDER PREPARATION:

1. Green electricity generation in porous Li xCo1-xFe2O4 based hydroelectric cell: Venus

Sharma, Shalini Pandey, Jyoti Shah, R. K. Kotnala and Satyabrata Mohapatra.

2. Sustainable generation of green electricity by K: SnO 2 based hydroelectric cell: Shalini

Pandey, Venus Sharma, Jyoti Shah, R.K. Kotnala, Anindya Datta and Satyabrata

Mohapatra.

PAPERS PRESENTED IN INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL CONFERENCES:

None

CONFERECE ATTENDED:

Attended an International conference on nanotechnology (ICNOC-22) was held at Jamia

Milia Islamia on 29/11/2022.