Facile hydrothermal synthesis of a highly efficient solar active Pr6O11–ZnO photocatalyst and its multiple applications

Abstract

Coupled semiconductor oxide nanomaterial Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO was fabricated by a simple hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), elemental color mapping, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy and BET surface area measurements. XRD analysis reveals that the as synthesized product has face-centered cubic phase of Pr₆O₁₁ and hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO. FE-SEM images of Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO show the nanochain like structures and Pr₆O₁₁ nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed on the ZnO surface. The XPS analysis shows the presence of Zn, O and Pr elements and their oxidation states. Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO has increased absorption in the UV as well as visible region. The photocatalytic activity toward degradation of Acid Violet 7 (AV 7) under natural sunlight was investigated. Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO exhibits higher photocatalytic activity when compared to pure ZnO and Pr₆O₁₁ particles. Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO is more advantageous in toxic azodye degradation because of its reusability and higher efficiency at the neutral pH 7. Hydrophobicity of Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO has been evaluated using contact angle measurements. Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO modified TEOS coated substrates show significant hydrophobic properties. Pr₆O₁₁–ZnO exhibits high DC and photoconductivity, which make it useful for soliton wave communication and solar cell applications. Our results provide some new insights on the performance of a solar active photocatalysts, self cleaning and highly conductive materials.