Copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method by applying various surfactants such as sucrose, gelatine, polyethylene glycol, sodium dodecyl sulphate, saffron and turmeric extract. Then copper oxide nanoparticles and CuFe2O4– CuO nanocomposite were prepared using water solvent and the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. SEM images approve the best mono-disperse nanoparticles were obtained in the presence of sucrose and gelatine. Vibrating sample magnetometer was used for magnetic characterization of the samples. The results illustrate super-paramagnetic behaviour of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic behaviour of CuFe2O4– CuO nanocomposite was investigated using degradation of three various azo dyes under visible light irradiations. The results indicate that the prepared nanocomposite is suitable for degradation of toxic azo dyes.
