Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO and Ti4+ Modified ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Photocatalytic Performance

Abstract

In the present work pure ZnO and Ti4+ doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method directly from an aqueous solution of zinc acetate dehydrate and sodium hydroxide. As-prepared precursor was calcined at 500°C and 600°C temperature for 2 h. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and UV-DRS spectroscopy. Results show that the calcinations temperature and Ti4+ doping significantly affected the crystalline nature, and optical properties of the processed ZnO nanoparticles. The XRD spectra indicated that both pure ZnO and Ti4+ doped ZnO have hexagonal wurtzite structure at 500?C. By doping small amount of TiO2 we obtained wurtzite structure at lower temperature. Both ZnO and Ti4+ doped ZnO nanostructures exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency towards degradation of MB dye due to the enhanced surface area and high crystallinity of hexagonal plate like structures. Zn-600 shows highest photocatalytic activities due to higher crystallinity and lower band gap, which restricts their recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and higher surface area helps in increased adsorption of the dye for efficient degradation.