Synthesis, Characterization, and Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of Nanosized Carbon Doped Zinc Oxide

Abstract

ZnO precursor was prepared using microemulsion method. Precursor was calcined in a furnace in a temperature range of 300–500°C with an interval of 100°C. Precursor and calcined nanopowders were characterized using TG/DTA, XRD, FT-IR, EDX, TEM, SEM, and particle size analyzer. Precursor calcined at 300°C for 2 h contains 3.87% carbon (C). Increase in calcination temperature of precursor shows decrease in C content. Precursor calcined at 500°C for 2 h yielded pure ZnO. UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to analyze the concentration of MG during the degradation process. In presence of visible light C doped ZnO obtained by calcining precursor at 300°C shows better photocatalytic activity for MG degradation. Parameters affecting the photocatalytic process such as calcination temperature of catalyst, catalyst loading, MG concentration, and pH of solution have been investigated.

Synthesis, characterization and visible light photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped zinc oxide nanospheres

“…Pure ZnO was prepared according to our previous work reported in literature [19]. In a typical synthesis, 1 M solution of zinc nitrate was prepared by dissolving 29.74 g of Zn(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O in 100 mL distilled water.…”

Recent Advances in Zinc Oxide Nanostructures with Antimicrobial Activities

“…In this respect, carbon doping and oxygen vacancies increase the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron−hole pairs, thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity of ZnO [130]. Similarly, carbon-doped ZnO nanorods and C-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been reported to have a reduced bandgap energy of 2.69 and 3.08 eV, respectively [131].…”

“…This is due to photogenerated charge carriers recombine at trapping defect sites, leading to a reduction in the photocatalytic efficiency. In this respect, non-metal dopants such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur can be used to improve visible-light photocatalytic activity of ZnO [129][130][131][132][133][134]. Non-metal dopants introduce an intermediate energy level just above the VB of ZnO.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Al‐Doped ZnO as a Prospective High Adsorption Material

“…Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an interesting material for wastewater treatment, due to its cost effectiveness, nontoxicity, and structural stability. According literature reports, when metal or nonmetal elements is doped into the ZnO nanostructures, it is expected that the dopants can modify the physical properties of ZnO to extend its practical applications. Among them, Al‐doped ZnO is a solid solution consisting of ZnO and Al 2 O 3 , which both have hexagonal wurtzite structure.…”