A novel high efficiency polar photocatalyst, Zn(IO3)2: synthesis, crystal structure and photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Polarized Zn(IO₃)₂ has been successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The crystal structure and morphology of Zn(IO₃)₂ were detected by XRD, TEM and SEM. Zn(IO₃)₂ was fabricated and has demonstrated excellent catalytic activity. The obtained photocatalytic efficiency is higher than that of a commercial TiO₂ P25 catalyst under UV (λ > 254 nm) light irradiation. By combining time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) and BET measurements, it can be revealed that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Zn(IO₃)₂ can be properly attributed to the promoted separation and prolonged lifetime of photogenerated carriers caused by the internal polarization field.