LAUSR

Abstract In this study, the MgFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. The nanoparticles were characterization by powder XRD, FTIR SEM-EDX, TEM, HR-TEM, VSM and XPS studies. EDX confirmed the presence of the desired elements Mg, Fe and O only in the material. The Fe(II) and Fe(III) chemical state of the iron present in the MgFe2O4 nanoparticles were confirmed by XPS. The material was applied as a catalyst for the degradation of malachite green dye. Remarkably the catalyst shows 100% degradation of the dye in 50 s in the presence of H2O2. The high rate of the degradation of the dye was due to Fenton mechanism involving hydroxyl and perhydroxyl radicals (HO• and HOO•). The catalyst shows super-paramagnetic behavior and hence, can be easily removed from the reaction mixture by external magnet.