Synthesis and Characterization of Mg–Zn Bimetallic Nanoparticles: Selective Hydrogenation of p-Nitrophenol, Degradation of Reactive Carbon Black 5 and Fuel Additive

Magnesium–zinc (Mg–Zn) bimetallic nanoparticles are prepared by reflux assisted co-precipitation method using ethanol–water as a solvent. X-ray diffraction technique is used for structural modeling of Mg–Zn. It is found that positions of all magnesium atoms are same, but zinc atoms are located at five different co-ordinates in unit cell. Elemental composition of synthesized product is investigated by energy dispersive X-ray diffraction technique and morphological characterization is carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The Mg–Zn nanoparticles are used as catalyst for reduction of p-nitrophenol and degradation of reactive black 5 dyes respectively. Fuel additive property of Mg–Zn nanoparticles is also evaluated at 10, 20, 30 and 40 ppm dosage level. It is observed that Mg–Zn nanoparticles have significantly influenced the calorific value, kinematic viscosity and surface tension of fuel.