Cu2ZnI4/ZnO nanocomposites: In-situ synthesis, characterization and optical properties

Abstract

In this work, copper zinc tetraiodide/zinc oxide (Cu 2 ZnI 4 /ZnO) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by simple solid-state method. The effect of various parameters such as Cu + /Zn +2 molar ratio, time and temperature of reaction on morphology, size and purity of products was investigated. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning and transmittance electron microscopy (FESEM, TEM), and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Application of Cu 2 ZnI 4 /ZnO nanocomposite as photocatalyst was confirmed by the band gap estimated through UV-vis spectroscopy. To investigate the photocatalytic properties of this product, photooxidation of methyl orange (MO) was performed. The photocatalytic test shows that the methyl orange degradation was about 54.2% under UV irradiation for 90 min.