Sol–gel preparation and enhanced photocatalytic performance of Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 258; no. 4; pp. 1587 - 1591
• Main Authors: Fu, Min, Li, Yalin, wu, Siwei, Lu, Peng, Liu, Jing, Dong, Fan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-12-2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Copper; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Crystals; Cu doping; Degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Methyl orange; Nanoparticles; Photocatalysis; Physics; Sol gel process; Sol–gel; Surface chemistry; Zinc oxide; ZnO; ZnO; Cu doping; Sol–gel; Methyl orange; Photocatalysis; Nanoparticles; Sol―gel; Inorganic compounds; Preparation; Transition element compounds; Doped materials; Zinc oxide; Sol-gel process
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.10.003

► Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel method for the first time. ► Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance. ► The enhanced charge carrier separation and increased surface hydroxyl groups contributed to the enhanced photocatalytic activity. ► This research could provide a feasible route for organic wastewater treatment.
Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel method for the first time. XRD, XPS, UV–vis and FS techniques were used to characterize the Cu-doped ZnO samples. The photocatalytic activity was tested for methyl orange degradation under UV irradiation. The results show that the crystal sizes of ZnO and 0.5% Cu/ZnO nanoparticles with wurtzite phase are 32.0 and 28.5nm, indicating that Cu-doping hinder the growth of crystal grains. The doped Cu element existed as Cu2+. The optimal Cu doping concentration in ZnO is 0.5%. The optimal calcination condition is at 350°C for 3h. The MO degradation rate of 0.5% Cu/ZnO reaches 88.0% when initial concentration of MO is 20mg/L, exceeding that of undoped ZnO. The enhanced charge carrier separation and increased surface hydroxyl groups due to Cu-doping contributed to the enhanced photocatalytic activity of 0.5% Cu/ZnO.