Synthesis and characterization of novel WO{sub 3} loaded Ag–ZnO and its photocatalytic activity

Journal Article · Tue Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Materials Research Bulletin

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATERRESBULL.2012.10.010· OSTI ID:22215772

Subash, B.; Krishnakumar, B. ^[1]; Pandiyan, V. ^[2]; Swaminathan, M. ^[1]

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1. Photocatalysis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608002, Tamil Nadu (India)
2. Department of Physics, Nehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Puthanampatti 621007, Tamil Nadu (India)

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► A novel WO{sub 3} loaded Ag–ZnO was prepared by a simple solvothermal method. ► ‘Ag’ traps the electron from both ZnO and WO{sub 3} reducing electro–hole recombination. ► WO{sub 3}–Ag–ZnO is more efficient than Ag–ZnO, WO{sub 3}–ZnO, Ag–WO{sub 3} and undoped catalysts. ► WO{sub 3}–Ag–ZnO material will be much useful for the treatment of dye effluents. -- Abstract: A novel WO{sub 3} loaded Ag–ZnO photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images, energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements. The photocatalytic activity of WO{sub 3}–Ag–ZnO was investigated for the degradation of RR 120 and RO 4 dyes in aqueous solution using UV-A light. WO{sub 3}–Ag–ZnO is found to be more efficient than Ag–ZnO, WO{sub 3}–ZnO, Ag–WO{sub 3}, commercial ZnO, prepared ZnO, TiO{sub 2}-P25 and TiO{sub 2} (Merck) at neutral pH for the mineralization of dyes. First time we have reported that novel WO{sub 3} loaded Ag–ZnO has been found to be very efficient for two azo dyes removal when compared to commercially available catalyst (Degussa P25, ZnO (Merck) and TiO{sub 2} (Merck)). The mineralization of dyes has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A mechanism of degradation has been proposed for the higher efficiency of WO{sub 3}–Ag–ZnO.

• OSTI ID: 22215772
• Journal Information: Materials Research Bulletin, Vol. 48, Issue 1; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0025-5408
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
AZO DYES
CATALYSTS
CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
EFFICIENCY
FIELD EMISSION
MINERALIZATION
PHOTOCATALYSIS
PHOTOLUMINESCENCE
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SURFACE AREA
SYNTHESIS
TITANIUM OXIDES
TUNGSTATES
TUNGSTEN OXIDES
VOLTAMETRY
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
ZINC OXIDES