Transition metal ferrite nanoparticle (NP) catalyzed Fenton-like oxidation to decolourize dye-contaminated water: a simple and cost-effective introductory course undergraduate research experience (CURE) for a nanochemistry teaching laboratory

3 d transition metal ferrite NPs are unique nanostructured materials owing to their tunable magnetic, electrical, and structural properties, which arise from the interplay of different transition metal ions in the spinel lattice structure. Their relatively simple co-precipitation based synthesis may be paired with a variety of pedagogy-friendly functional property measurements (such as energy band-gap, surface charge and capping ligand properties, size, morphology, and crystal phase). The high surface area, tunable electronic structures, and abundant reaction sites associated with MFe 2 O 4 (M= Mn, Co, Ni) also enhance the catalytic efficiency for hydrogen peroxide activation and hydroxyl radical production under broader and milder conditions than traditional iron oxide NPs or iron salts.