Gel-combustion-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles for visible light-assisted photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized by the gel combustion technique using a bio-fuel, cassava starch (root tubers of Manihot esculenta), have been characterized by various techniques. The X-ray diffraction pattern reveals hexagonal wurtzite structure. The particle size averaged around 45 nm with an excellent band gap of 2.5 eV. The scanning electron and transmission electron microscopic images confirm the ZnO NPs to be agglomerated with loop-and chain-like morphology. The ZnO NPs prepared by this method is a promising candidate for photocatalytic hydrogen generation (41 μmol h −1 g −1) under UV light illumination and (140 μmol h −1 g −1) under visible light illumination.

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8-Encapsulated Nanoparticle of Ag/Cu Composites Supported on Graphene Oxide: Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity

“…The two strong peaks with binding energies 1019.5 and 1042.5 eV in Figure 11F are due to Zn 2p 3/2 (corresponding to the attachment of hydroxyl groups to zinc ions on the surface) and Zn 2p 1/2 (corresponding to Zn atoms bonding to oxygen atoms). 32,33 This observation and assignments of the elements confirm the presence of GO, ZIF-8, and the nanoparticles on the prepared nanocomposites. Similar to the FTIR analysis (Figure 7), XPS revealed the interaction of Zn from ZIF-8 with the oxygen-containing functional groups in GO.…”

Sucrose-Mediated Fast Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water

“…42,43 For the synthesis of nZnO, different types of organic compounds and plant extracts have been used as fuels. 44 However, there are some drawbacks of these methods. For example, the plant extracts containing metallic and nonmetallic impurities can modify the desired properties of the nZnO by doping it with the metallic and nonmetallic elements.…”

“…When heated to a temperature, the mixture undergoes a self-sustained reaction to produce uniform metal oxide nanoparticles while burning away the fuel in the form of CO 2 , H 2 O, and other gases. Utilizing the combustion synthesis technique, many types of single and mixed metal oxide nanoparticles have been prepared. , For the synthesis of nZnO, different types of organic compounds and plant extracts have been used as fuels . However, there are some drawbacks of these methods.…”

Ionic liquid assisted hydrothermal syntheses of Au doped TiO2 NPs for efficient visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production from water, electrochemical detection and photochemical detoxification of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)

“…1. 11 The reaction was carried out in a closed gas circulating system in an inner irradiation type reactor. Different photocatalyts (10 mg) were sonicated for 20 min to disperse in 7.5 mL aqueous solution.…”