Synthesis and characterization of ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposites and their application as photocatalysts

Abstract

Nanocomposite ZnO-TiO 2 powders of varying ZnO/TiO 2 molar ratios have been prepared from their salt/compound by heating at 600°C and 900°C and characterized using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques. The nanosized powders can decolorize/degrade brilliant golden yellow (BGY), an azo dye extensively used in textile industries, in water under solar irradiation. The effects of various parameters such as photocatalyst loading, molar ratio of ZnO/TiO 2 , pH of the solution, initial dye concentration, and irradiation time on the photodecolorization have been investigated. ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite (6 g/L) in the molar ratio of 1:1 or 3:1, prepared at 900°C, can efficiently decolorize about 98% of 20 mg/L BGY at pH of about 7 by 2-h illumination in sunlight. The initial dye decolorization follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. Finally, trial experiments were done using real textile wastewater to find out the effectiveness of the photocatalysts to a more complex system.

Degradation of Antibiotics in Aqueous Solution by Photocatalytic Process: Comparing the Efficiency in the Use of ZnO or TiO2

“…Zinc oxide has a band gap energy (3, 3 eV) [5][6][7], a bit higher than the band gap energy of titanium dioxide (3, 2 eV) [8][9][10]. Furthermore, zinc oxide can absorb a big part of the solar spectrum.…”

Determination of the half-life and the quantum yield of ZnO semiconductor photocatalyst in humic acid

“…ZnO more efficient, such as resistant to corrosion, has a are relatively low light energy (Eg = 3.40 eV), and is much cheaper than TiO 2 (6) Research photocatalyst ZnO has been made include studies in nano material of ZnO [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. The commercial ZnO powder was used economically and directly for application on water purification.…”

Synthesis of TiO2-Ag Nanocomposites via Green Route for Dye Degradation and Antimicrobial Studies

“…These petri dishes were incubated at 38ºC for 48 h. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by observing and measuring inhibition zones formed around the discs after incubation period. [7], [8]. The peaks at 2θ values of 37.26°, 44.76°, 64.85° correspond to the planes of (111), (200), and (220) of face-centered cubic Ag (JCPDS card no.…”