Abstract
The author reports on a new type of core–shell particles consisting of zinc (Zn) core and a silica (SiO2) shell.In this work, these particles are developed, optimized and designed so as to enhance the photocatalytic activity, because zinc has a smaller refractive index and includes a significant red-shift in the optical absorption edges of silica phases. Therefore, it can be used as an optical absorbing catalyst in smart photo-catalysts and novel photovoltaic cells beyond the visible range. The structural, morphological and photo catalytic properties of as-synthesized particles were studied using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The superior performance of the photocatalyst was ascribed to the high surface area, the ability to absorb visible-light. Photocatalytic potential of the nanostructures was investigated using methyl violet (MV) as a model pollutant under solar light. The Zn@SiO2 NPs were long term stable and reusable and their photocatalytic activities did not change at three repeated treatments of dye containing waste water.
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