Structural and photocatalytic characterization of BaFe2O4 obtained at low temperatures

Barium monoferrite BaFe2O4 classified as permanent magnet stands out among other ceramic magnets due to its high chemical stability, corrosion resistance and low production cost. In addition, experiments conducted on photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and UV transmittance by spectrophotometry have shown that this material has photocatalytic properties. The spinel ferrite is of importance in many technological areas such as computing, communications and security. Several techniques for synthesis have been studied to optimize the properties of this material. The synthesis of BaFe2O4 by conventional processes often occurs at temperatures above 1000 ºC. In this work, we obtained the phase BaFe2O4 at low temperatures (600 ºC) from the combustion reaction using nitrates and maleic anhydride as metal complexing agent. Techniques of X-ray diffraction, specific surface area, thermogravimetry analysis and photocatalytic analysis were employed to characterize the products obtained.