Structural, optical, photo catalytic and antibacterial activity of ZnO and Co doped ZnO nanoparticles

A systematic investigation on the structural, optical, photo catalytic and antimicrobial properties of pure and cobalt doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by Co-precipitation method is presented. X-ray diffraction analysis of these samples showed the formation of phase pure nanoparticles with wurtzite ZnO structure. Optical studies showed a blue shift in the absorbance spectrum with increasing the doping concentration. The Methylene Blue (MB) decomposition rate of the synthesized pure ZnO and cobalt doped ZnO nanoparticles were studied under the UV region. In the UV region, synthesized pure ZnO and cobalt doped ZnO decomposed Methylene Blue (MB). However, the MB decomposition rate obtained using pure ZnO was much higher than that by doped ZnO. The antibacterial property test was carried out via disk diffusion method, and the result indicated antibacterial activity of the prepared samples.     

Fabrication of ordered flower-like ZnO nanostructures by a microwave and ultrasonic combined technique and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

Ordered flower-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were fabricated via a facile microwave and ultrasonic combined technique. The product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED). The flower-like ZnO nanostructures were assembled by a central petal and six symmetrical petals which grew radially from the center. The flower-like ZnO sample showed an enhanced photocatalytic performance compared with the ZnO microrods for the methylene blue (MB) degradation, which could be attributed to its special structure feature. Au/ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were also synthesized and exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency after decorating noble metal nanoparticles on the surface of flower-like ZnO nanostructures.     

分级微/纳结构ZnO的制备及其光催化性能

分别采用溶剂热法和草酸盐法制得具有分级微/纳结构但形貌迥异的两种ZnO材料,以亚甲基蓝溶液(MB)作为目标降解物对其光催化性能进行评价。结果表明:溶剂热法所制得的ZnO呈花状微球形貌,由纳米片自组装而成;草酸盐法所制得的ZnO为微米棒状形貌,以纳米颗粒为基本单元发展而来。草酸盐法ZnO材料具有更为优异的光催化性能,其对亚甲基蓝溶液的降解反应速率常数是溶剂热法ZnO材料的7.65倍。活性自由基物种鉴定结果证实,两种ZnO材料在受到紫外光激发时均能产生·OH和·O₂^-活性自由基。两种ZnO样品光催化性能的差别源于能带结构不同所引起的活性自由基生成数量上的差异。较之溶剂热法ZnO,草酸盐法ZnO在受紫外光激发时产生的·OH和·O₂^-数量更多,且以强氧化能力的·OH为主,因而表现出更为优异的光催化性能。     

Microwave-assisted silica coating and photocatalytic activities of ZnO nanoparticles

A new and rapid method for silica coating of ZnO nanoparticles by the simple microwave irradiation technique is reported. Silica-coated ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), CHN elemental analysis and zeta potential measurements. The FT-IR spectra and XPS clearly confirmed the silica coating on ZnO nanoparticles. The results of XPS analysis showed that the elements in the coating at the surface of the ZnO nanoparticles were Zn, O and Si. HR-TEM micrographs revealed a continuous and uniform dense silica coating layer of about 3 nm in thickness on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. In addition, the silica coating on the ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by the agreement in the zeta potential of the silica-coated ZnO nanoparticles with that of SiO₂. The results of the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution showed that silica coating effectively reduced the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. Silica-coated ZnO nanoparticles showed excellent UV shielding ability and visible light transparency.     

Synthesis of [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite under electric furnace and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a reaction between an aqueous-alcoholic solution of zinc nitrate and sodium hydroxide under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. The morphology, optical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The [60]fullerene and zinc oxide nanocomposite were synthesized in an electric furnace at 700 degrees C for two hours. The [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. In addition, the [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was investigated as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was compared with that of ZnO nanoparticles, heated ZnO nanoparticles after synthesis, pure [60]fullerene, and heated pure [60]fullerene in organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (RhB) under ultraviolet light at 254 nm.     

异质结型NiO/ZnO复合纳米纤维的制备及光催化性能

采用静电纺丝技术, 以聚乙烯醇(PVA)和醋酸锌[Zn(CH₃COO)₂]为前驱体, 制备纯ZnO纳米纤维, 并以其为基质, 醋酸镍为镍源, 通过溶剂热法制备了NiO/ZnO复合纳米纤维. 利用X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)、高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM)和荧光光谱(PL)等分析测试手段对样品的结构和形貌进行表征。以罗丹明Ｂ的脱色降解为模式反应, 考察了样品的光催化性能。结果表明: NiO粒子均匀地负载到ZnO纳米纤维上, 得到了异质结型NiO/ZnO复合纳米纤维光催化材料, 与纯ZnO纳米纤维相比光催化活性明显提高, 且易于分离、回收和再利用。循环使用3次, RB的脱色率仍保持在89%以上。     

Promoting Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO Particles by Photochemically Reducing Ag+ on the Particle Surfaces

Dispersive Ag nanoparticles were formed on the surface of crystalline ZnO particles, using a photochemical reduction technique, to produce the Ag/ZnO with high photocatalytic performance. The prepared Ag/ZnO particles, as well as the ZnO particles without Ag attachments, were characterized using x-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscope, and surface area analyzer. The abilities of the ZnO and the Ag/ZnO particles to photocatalytically decompose methylene blue under 365-nm ultraviolet light irradiation were evaluated by determining the corresponding specific reaction rate constant, k′_MB,m (based on the mass of the photocatalyst used). While the ZnO crystalline particles (k′_MB,m > 0.43 m³/(kg min)) already possessed better photocatalytic performance than the commercial photocatalyst P25 (k′_MB,m = 0.39 m³/(kg min)), the Ag/ZnO particles exhibited much better photocatalytic performance than the ZnO particles. The highest k′_MB,m for the Ag/ZnO particles was 1.93 m³/(kg min), which was about five times that of the P25.     

The effect of support on the structure and photocatalytic activity of ternary ZnO-ZnFe2O4/palygorskite composite photocatalysts

The ternary ZnO-ZnFe₂O₄/palygorskite composite photocatalysts were fabricated via a solvothermal method followed by thermal treatment. The structure, morphology and photoelectric performances of samples were characterized, and the results indicated that ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles with size of 25–30 nm were adequately anchored on the palygorskite fibers surface. Compared with ZnO, ZnFe₂O₄, ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ and ZnO/palygorskite, the ZnO-ZnFe₂O₄/palygorskite composite photocatalysts exhibited significantly improved photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue (MB). Especially, the optimal photocatalyst (ZF1.5) displayed the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving 99.68% and 99.48% degradation efficiency after 90 min of UV–vis (350 ≤ λ ≤ 780 nm) and 100 min of visible-light (λ ≥ 420 nm) irradiation, respectively. The photocatalysis degradation process matched well with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics. The obtained improvement of photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the synergetic effect of superior visible-light utilization; effective charge carrier separation and palygorskite support effect (optimize nanoparticles dispersibility, developed mesoporous structure, enlarge specific surface area and increase adsorption capacity).     

ZnO/CdS/Ag复合光催化剂的制备及其催化和抗菌性能

先用水热反应合成六方晶相CdS多层级花状微球并在其表面生长ZnO纳米棒形成均匀的ZnO/CdS复合结构,然后用光还原法将Ag纳米颗粒负载于ZnO纳米棒制备出ZnO/CdS/Ag三元半导体光催化剂,对其进行扫描电镜和透射电镜观察、光电性能测试、活性基团捕获实验以及光催化降解和抗菌性能测试,研究其对亚甲基蓝(MB)的降解和抗菌性能。结果表明：ZnO纳米棒均匀生长在CdS微球表面,CdS晶体没有明显裸露,Ag纳米粒子负载在ZnO纳米棒的表面;ZnO/CdS/Ag三元复合光催化剂有良好的可见光响应、较低的阻抗和较高的光电流密度;ZnO/CdS/Ag复合光催化剂能同时产生羟基和超氧自由基等活性氧基团;ZnO/CdS/Ag三元复合光催化剂对亚甲基蓝(MB)的30 min降解率高于90%;0.25 mg/mL的ZnO/CdS/Ag对革兰氏阴性菌(大肠杆菌)的灭菌率高于96%,对革兰氏阳性菌(金黄色葡萄球菌)能完全灭除。     

Preparation of C60(O)n-ZnO nanocomposite under electric furnace and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized sonochemically by applying ultrasonic irradiation to a mixed aqueous-alcoholic solution of zinc nitrate with sodium hydroxide at room temperature. The morphology and optical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The C60(O)n nanoparticles were synthesized by heating a mixture of C60 and 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in a benzene solvent under the reflux system. The heated C60(O)n-ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized in an electric furnace at 700 degrees C for two hours. The heated C60(O)n-ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, SEM, and TEM, and examined as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic effect of the heated C60(O)n-ZnO nanocomposite was evaluated by a comparison with that of unheated C60(O)n nanoparticles, heated C60(O)n nanoparticles, and unheated C60(O)n-ZnO in organic dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (RhB) under ultraviolet light at 365 nm.     

Green synthesis and catalytic function of tungsten oxide nanoparticles

In this paper, a green chemical synthetic route was developed to synthesize WO3 nanoparticles with an average size of 70 nm. The products were characterized in detail by multiform techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photoluminescence of the obtained WO3 nanoparticles was also investigated. The effects of the hydrothermal temperature on the crystalline phase and morphology of the products have been studied systematically. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution. The electrocatalytic activity was characterized using voltammetric techniques. The results showed that the obtained WO3 nanoparticles have an excellent photocatalytic and electrocatalytic performance for the MB.     

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of Cu2O nano-photocatalyst powder modified by ball milling and ZnO

In this paper, a ball milled Cu₂O-ZnO nano-photocatalyst with good photocatalytic performance in visible light range was prepared. Effect of ZnO presence and ball milling of Cu₂O on the structure, microstructure, optical properties and photocatalytic performance were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) analysis and UV–Vis spectrophotometer were used as characterization techniques. FESEM results indicated that ball milling of Cu₂O changed the morphology of Cu₂O-ZnO composite. The uniform formation of ZnO particles with average size of 30 nm over the Cu₂O surface was observed. The formation of p-n heterostructure with good contact between Cu₂O and ZnO nanoparticles was found by HRTEM image. Ball milling of Cu₂O promotes visible light absorption and reduction band gap to 1.9 eV in Cu₂O-ZnO photocatalyst. Intensity of PL spectra for the ball milled Cu₂O-ZnO photocatalyst was obviously lower. Ball milled Cu₂O-ZnO photocatalyst shows the highest photocatalytic activity and degradation efficiency of 98% was obtained for 2 mg/L methylene blue (MB) solution after 240 min. The kinetics of the photodegradation was followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model and degradation rates were decreased by increase of MB concentration. In the case of ball milled Cu₂O and presence of ZnO, the MB degradation kinetics was two times faster.     

Effect of preparation methods and optical band gap of ZnO nanomaterials on photodegradation studies

Improving of photo-oxidative efficiency of ZnO has become of importance to meet the requirements of environmental protection. In this research, ZnO nanomaterials prepared by three different methods (thermal decomposition, precipitation and sol-gel-combustion using metal nitrate and different fuels (urea, oxalic acid and citric acid)). Various molar ratios of citric acid to salt used as variable parameter (0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50). These nanomaterials were characterized by studying their structural, morphological, surface and optical properties. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Remazol Red RB-133 (RR) under UV-light irradiation. The obtained results showed that the photocatalytic efficiency was affected by preparation method, type and ratio of fuel to salt. The optimum is a gel precursor containing zinc nitrate and citric acid prepared in the molar ratio of 1. The highly active nanomaterial was applied for photocatalytic degradation of mixtures of two dyes – (RR) and Methylene Blue (MB).     

Effect of leavening agent on structural and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanorods

In the present work, we have demonstrated a simple, facile, one-step, rapid and cost effective synthesis of ZnO nanorods through the thermal decomposition of zinc acetate and leavening agent (NaHCO₃). The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deposited on the surface of ZnO nanorods by photocatalytic reduction of Ag (I) to Ag(0). As synthesized ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by using X-ray Diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposites were evaluated for the photodegradation of Methyl Orange (MO) under UV and sunlight irradiation. The use of common leavening agent helps to prevent the aggregation of ZnO nanorods, further it hinders crystallite growth and narrowing the diameter of nanorods by the evolution of carbon dioxide during calcination. The ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity and separation of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. Due to effect of leavening agent and AgNPs deposited on surface of ZnO nanorods finds best catalyst for the 99% degradation of MO within 30 min compared to ZnO.     

Visible light-activated cadmium-doped ZnO nanostructured photocatalyst for the treatment of methylene blue dye

An attempt was made to prepare Cd-doped ZnO photocatalyst for visible light assisted degradation of a textile dye (methylene blue, MB) in aqueous solutions by a traditional sol–gel process. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra techniques. The results showed that the Cd-doped ZnO possess the single-phase hexagonal wurtzite structure. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles under visible light was investigated by measuring the photodegradation of MB in aqueous dispersion. The effects of key operation parameters such as initial dye concentration, catalyst loading as well as initial pH value on the decolorization extents were investigated. The results indicate that the decolorization of the organic molecule followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Under the optimum operation conditions, approximately 85.0% dye removal was achieved within 3.5 h.     

Alkylamine-mediated synthesis and photocatalytic properties of ZnO

A simple approach to synthesize ZnO microstructures was reported using dodecylamine,hexadecylamine and oleylamine as template agents.The synthesized ZnO was characterized by XRD,FESEM,TEM,EDS mapping,FTIR,UV-vis DRS,Raman spectroscopy and BET analysis.Hierarchical oriented ZnO microstructures were obtained.The photocatalytic performance of ZnO prepared with different types of alkylamines was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue(MB)and methyl orange(MO).The results suggested that alkylamine control the nucleation,growth and morphology of ZnO.The photocatalytic properties of ZnO on the degradation of MB and MO decreased with increasing the alkyl chain length in alkylamine.     

ZnO/CdO composite nanorods for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light

Nanorods of ZnO and ZnO/CdO were synthesized by thermal decomposition of their respective acetate without any catalyst at 350 °C. It is a simple and low cost method to prepare ZnO and ZnO/CdO nanorods. The decomposition temperature of acetate and the formation of oxides were determined by thermogravimetric analysis before the synthesis process. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/CdO was tested by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous medium under visible light and the efficiency of the catalyst has been discussed in detail. The method is simple, fast and cost effective when compared to other methods.     

Facile synthesis of Ag/AgX (X = Cl,Br) with enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method

Ag/AgX (X?=?Cl, Br) plasmonic photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile one-pot ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method, wherein no additional issues such as high pressure, surfactants and reducing agents were required. The structure, morphology, and optical property of the as-prepared photocatalysts was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet–visible light absorption spectra and total organic carbon (TOC). The results showed that Ag/AgX photocatalysts have excellent photocatalytic performance for the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) pollutants under visible light illumination, and the photocatalytic activity maintains a high level after seven cycles. Metallic Ag⁰ particles nucleate on the surface of AgX uniformly through the thermal decomposition of residual AgNO₃ solution, which enhanced the interaction between Ag⁰ and AgX. The outstanding photocatalytic activity benefits from the small size and high dispersion of Ag⁰ nanoparticles and the enhanced interaction between Ag⁰ and AgX.     

Ag-ZnO/生物质炭纳米复合材料的制备及协同可见光催化性能

以醋酸锌(Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O)为锌源、硝酸银(AgNO₃)为掺杂源、纤维素纳米晶体(Cellulose nanocrystal, CNC)为生物模板，通过溶胶-凝胶法结合碳化处理，制备了Ag-ZnO/生物质炭(Biochar)复合材料。采用TEM、XRD、BET、UV-Vis DRS对所制得的Ag-ZnO/Biochar复合材料进行表征。以亚甲基蓝(MB)为模型污染物，评价Ag-ZnO/Biochar复合材料在可见光源照射下的光催化性能，进一步阐明其光催化机制。结果表明:碳化后纳米ZnO仍保持良好的分散性，球形Ag纳米粒子均匀分散在ZnO表面，形成Ag-ZnO/Biochar三元复合材料。与Ag-ZnO和ZnO/Biochar复合材料相比，Ag-ZnO/Biochar复合材料在可见光下的光催化降解率显著提高。这是由于生物质炭赋予复合体系良好的吸附性能，使MB的光催化降解反应持续发生；而Ag纳米粒子的表面等离子体共振(Surface plasmon resonance, SRP)效应则增强了复合体系在可见光区的吸收。其中，当AgNO₃、CNC、Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O的质量比为0.01:0.25:1时，制得的Ag-ZnO/Biochar复合材料在可见光下具有最佳的光吸收性能和MB降解效率:室温条件下，黑暗中吸附30 min，再用可见光照射120 min，即可达到99%的MB降解率，显著高于Ag-ZnO(约23%)和ZnO/Biochar复合材料(约64%)。      

CeO2/ZnO复合光催化剂制备及其可见光催化性能

采用微波超声法,以ZnO为基体原位生长CeO₂晶体,得到CeO₂/ZnO复合光催化剂。利用XRD、SEM、TEM、PL、UV-Vis DRS等方法对制备的材料进行表征,并通过可见光降解AF对样品的光催化性能进行评价。结果表明,ZnO为纳米片互相穿插形成的花形球状结构,其表面附着有纳米CeO₂颗粒,分散性较好。ZnO和CeO₂的摩尔比为20∶1的CeO₂/ZnO复合光催化剂在可见光下表现出良好的光催化活性,光照90 min后对AF的光降解率达到96.44%,较纯相ZnO和CeO₂有显著提高。CeO₂/ZnO的稳定性较好,6次使用后对AF的光降解率仍达到93.53%。机制研究发现,·O₂?是光催化降解AF过程中的主要活性物种。