The Auto-Combustion Method Synthesized Eu2O3- ZnO Nanostructured Composites for Electronic and Photocatalytic Applications

Abstract

An efficient and environmentally friendly combustion technique was employed to produce ZnO nanopowders with different Eu concentrations (from 0.001 g to 5 g). The structural morphology of the Eu2O3-ZnO nanocomposites was examined using XRD, SEM, and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In addition, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was also used to investigate the effects of europium (Eu) dopant on the optical behaviors and energy bandgaps of nano-complex oxides. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of phenol and methylene blue was investigated using all the prepared Eu2O3-ZnO nanostructured samples. Photocatalytic effectiveness increased when europium (Eu) doping ratios increased. After adding moderate Eu, more hydroxyl radicals were generated over ZnO. The best photocatalyst for phenol degradation was 1 percent Eu2O3-ZnO, while it was 0.5 percent Eu2O3-ZnO for methylene blue solutions. The obtained Eu2O3-doped ZnO nanostructured materials are considered innovative, promising candidates for a wide range of nano-applications, including biomedical and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and phenol.

Comparison of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Precipitation and Combustion for UV and Sunlight-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

“…The ZnO nanostructures were demonstrated to be interesting photocatalysts, and they showed acceptable photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB). In studies of combustion methods, synthesized ZnO NPs have been presented for use as photocatalysts [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Although the ZnO NPs were prepared at different temperatures, there were similar hexagonal wurtzites.…”

Efficient adsorption‐photocatalysis activity of ternary ZnO‐Sm2O3‐MgO co‐modified biochar for dye removal

“…However, ZnO has a wide energy band gap (3.37 eV) and low visible‐light utilization, seriously hindering its application in photocatalytic field 37,38 . Hence, rare‐earth metals modifying is a potential route to enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO 39,40 . For instance, lanthanide (La 2 O 3 )‐loaded ZnO exhibits the higher rate constant (0.0015 min −1 ) than bare ZnO for methyl orange degradation 41 .…”

“…37,38 Hence, rareearth metals modifying is a potential route to enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO. 39,40 For instance, lanthanide (La 2 O 3 )-loaded ZnO exhibits the higher rate constant (0.0015 min À1 ) than bare ZnO for methyl orange degradation. 41 Because of the tight junction interface for efficient charge separation and transfer, the removal efficiencies of ternary ZnS-ZnO-Sm 2 O 3 for tetracycline hydrochloride, RhB, methyl orange, and methylene blue are 92.6%, 56.9%, 98.7%, and 98.5% within 20 min, respectively.…”

Is 3% Eu3+ doping in ZnO unique? An investigative case study of photocatalytic descriptors using multiparameter approach

“…This propounded study reaches the conclusion that the capability to degrade organic pollutants enhances with doping concentration and deteriorates methylene blue completely for 0.5 g of nanocomposite within 80 min. Whereas phenol reaches its 100% degradation within 60 min for 1 g of Eu under the exposure of visible light radiation [25]. Chandersekhar et al investigated the sunlight photocatalytic capabilities of Eu: ZnO for the degradation of Rhodamine B.…”