Facile Synthesis of ZnSe/Co3O4 Heterostructure Nanocomposites for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Congo Red Dye

Abstract

In the present paper, simple hydrothermal and solid-state methods are reported for the synthesis of metal chalcogenide (ZnSe), metal oxide (Co3O4) and their nano-heterostructure (ZnSe/Co3O4 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 ratios by weight), while their photocatalytic efficiencies are also investigated. The X-ray diffraction results corroborate the good crystallinity and purity of all synthesized products, i.e., ZnSe, Co3O4 and their nanocomposites. The scanning electron micro-images of ZnSe show a mixed morphology of nanoparticles (≈16 nm), including spherical and distorted cubes, while Co3O4 has a worm-like morphology (≈20 × 50 nm). The EDX results show that all the elements are present in accordance with their anticipated amounts in the products. The UV/visible absorption spectrum of ZnSe depicts a sharp absorption at around 480 nm, while Co3O4 demonstrates two prominent peaks, 510 nm and 684 nm. The prepared samples were employed for the photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye and the nano-heterostructure (ZnSe/Co3O4 3:1) shows an exceptional photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 96%. This enhanced photocatalytic activity was due to the synergic effect of ZnSe and Co3O4 that reduced the electron/hole recombination and caused suitable bandgap alignment.

Exploring the photocatalytic degradation of organic textile dye using hydrothermally synthesized Ce-doped metal chalcogenide nanomaterial

“…Since many different techniques, including physical, biological treatment, chemical and electrochemical oxidation has evolved to eliminate or degrade toxic dyes from polluted water but these are not very much effective and are energy sufficient/consuming. The photocatalysis is one of the most valuable technologies for removing organic impurities because of its effectiveness for mineralization and viability with solar light [2,[5][6][7]. Hence, the hunt for economical and affordable highly visible light driven photocatalyst semiconductors for efficacious pollution removal has evolved as an imperative research area [8,9].…”

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Mixed Oxide Compositions of Cobalt‐Zirconium and their Catalytic Activity in the Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

“…Especially since the listed oxides are poorly soluble in water, due to which the appearance of the corresponding ions in drinking water in unacceptable (above the MPC) quantities are excluded. The last times much attention is paid to catalysts based on Co 3 O 4 , [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41] which, in depending on the method of production, show high activity and stability in a wide range of temperatures. It is established that addition of other oxides to Co 3 O 4 can increase its catalytic activity in oxidation reactions of various kinds.…”