Open AccessFacile fabrication of nitrogen‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Author(s) -
Yihao Tang,
Hang Zheng,
Yin Wang,
Minghui Ding,
Guo Jin,
Bin Zhang
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
micro and nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1750-0443
DOI - 10.1049/mnl.2015.0130
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , rhodamine b , materials science , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform , zinc , scanning electron microscope , methylene blue , nanoparticle , visible spectrum , hydrothermal circulation , doping , zinc nitrate , chemical engineering , nanomaterials , photochemistry , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , chemistry , catalysis , organic chemistry , composite material , metallurgy , engineering
Nitrogen (N)‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) particles were successfully synthesised by a simple and economical ammonia‐assisted hydrothermal method. The samples were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet–vis diffuse reflectance. It was found that N‐doped ZnO exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than commercial Degussa P25 towards the liquid‐phase degradation of Rhodamine B and methylene blue under simulation of solar light. The authors attribute these results to enhanced visible‐light absorption ability and efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. The authors hope that this study provides valuable information on the design of specific ZnO photocatalytic materials for further industrial application.