In this work, the ZnO-TiO2 mixed phase nanoparticles were prepared by solid
state reaction method by using ZnO and TiO2 powder as precursors. The X-ray
diffraction pattern shows a dominant phase of Zinc Orthotitanate (Zn2TiO4).
The average particle size (58?18 nm) calculated by the analysing FESEM data
closely matches with the particle size calculated by Scherrer?s equation.
The calculated average particle size is significantly smaller than the
previously published results of nanoparticles, prepared by same method. In
the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) study the specific surface area of the
nanoparticles was found as 8.78 m2/g which is similar to the surface area
reported in this material prepared by mechanochemical method. The method
which we report is simpler and cost effective unlike the previous reported.
In this investigation, visible photocatalytic dye decomposition is carried out with compound semiconductor nanoparticles of zinc orthotitanate (Zn2TiO4). These nanoparticles were grown by the solid state reaction method and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence study, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) study. The BET surface area of the Zn2TiO4 nanoparticles was found to be 8.78 m2/g. The photocatalytic activity is carried out by using a 500 W halogen light source having a spectrum in the range of 450 to 860 nm and the reaction kinetics was found to be the pseudo first order. The reaction rate constant was found to be 0.069 min−1. Discussion is given on the possible mechanism of the observed visible photocatalytic dye decomposition activity. The cost of the material used is very low, so it could be very useful for visible photocatalytic dye decomposition.
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