Optical, structural, and photocatalytic properties of Cd-doped ZnO powders prepared via sol–gel method

Abstract

In the present study, undoped ZnO and CdZnO nanostructures with different weight ratios of cadmium were synthesized by the sol-gel method. Structural and optical properties were investigated by Fourier transform spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive analytical X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence spectroscopy methods. Moreover, the direct band gap is calculated by Tauc's approach. Furthermore, photocatalytic activity of all samples has been investigated under UV irradiation in an aqueous medium. Compared with pure ZnO, the band gap of the Cd-ZnO decreases and depends on the content of dopants. In addition, photocatalytic activity improves in the presence of a small amount (5 wt%) of cadmium dopant. Graphical Abstract

Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide, using the extract of Rosa canina fruit, and their use as recyclable and heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the degradation of dye pollutants in water

“…28,29 Various physical and chemical methods including sonochemistry, electrochemistry, microwave irradiation, solid state reaction, quick precipitation, sol-gel and alcohothermal synthesis have been applied for Pd NP synthesis. [30][31][32] However, these methods have some difficulties, including harsh reaction conditions, high temperatures, time-consuming reactions, and the application of costly, poisonous and dangerous stabilizers or capping agents to protect the dimensions and composition of the Pd NPs. The application of organic solvents and the low yields of products are causes of environmental pollution.…”

Efficient synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using guar gum as stabilizer and their applications as catalyst in reduction reactions and degradation of azo dyes

“…Consequently nowadays trend is going toward nanoparticles. Thus metallic nanoparticles can be stabilized and synthesized through a number of methods including physical and chemical methods, photochemical reduction, mechanical, and electrochemical techniques [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. The scarcity of resources and the rising pollution has forced researchers to look for inventive, eco-friendly procedures and techniques that protect human health and environment.…”

Biosynthesis of waste pistachio shell supported silver nanoparticles for the catalytic reduction processes

“…The textile wastewaters have significant contamination [4, 40]. Thus, it is highly interesting to introduce an environmentally benign method for degradation of these non‐biodegradable compounds in aqueous media.…”