Liquid Phase Deposition of Nickel-Doped ZnO Film with Enhanced Visible Light Photoelectrocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Metal element doping is an effective way to tune visible light absorption ability and improve the charge carrier separation efficiency of a semiconductor. Herein, we studied the visible light photoelectrocatalytic property of ZnO doped with nickel (Ni-ZnO). The Ni-ZnO film was prepared by using a liquid phase deposition technique. Scanning electron microscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction measurement indicated that the as-prepared Ni-ZnO film comprised of many prismatic wurtzite nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that Ni 2+ entered the ZnO lattice. Cyclic voltammetric analysis confirmed that Ni 2+ in the ZnO lattice was electroactive and a pair of Ni 2+ /Ni 3+ redox waves were observed. UV-visible diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectra showed that doping of Ni in ZnO improved the visible light utilization and separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The Ni-ZnO film subsequently exhibited a higher photocurrent than the ZnO film. The photoelectrocatalytic activity of the Ni-ZnO film was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline under visible light illumination. The degradation rate constant for tetracycline on Ni-ZnO film was found to be 1.65 times higher than that of ZnO film.

Solar-Light-Responsive Nanomaterials for the Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Stubborn Pollutants

“…A suitable strategy for improving visible light absorption of ZnO towards PEC application is doping with appropriate metals or non-metals. Nickel has been successfully used to dope ZnO for PEC degradation of organics as reported by Feng et al [58]. The Ni-doped ZnO was prepared through liquid phase deposition onto FTO glass and calcination at 500 • C. The prepared Ni-ZnO consisted of prismatic nanoparticles as confirmed with the microscopic imaging technique and displayed stronger absorption in the visible light region within the range of 400 nm to 525 nm.…”

Nickel Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films for Visible Blind Ultraviolet Photodetection Applications

“…Because of their combined opto-electrical capabilities, semiconducting metal oxides are the potential materials for emerging optical and electrical applications. 8,9 Among them, zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wellknown metal oxide with excellent multifaceted properties like wide direct bandgap energy of 3.37 eV, existence in n-type semiconductor behavior, and exciton binding energy of 60 meV at room temperature. It is a useful material for UV photodetection applications because of its high radiation endurance, low toxicology, high transparency with electron mobility, low cost, and flexibility of fabrication via a number of preparation techniques.…”