Abstract
In this work, ZnO nanoparticles were surface-modified by thermal shock method with HAuCl4 and KF as precursors at different temperatures. The impacts of our modification process on the crystal structure, morphology, surface functional groups and surface composition of catalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR and XPS spectra, respectively. Their photocatalytic activity was investigated through the degradation of methylene blue under UVA light and visible light irradiation. According to the results, our modification method successfully improved the photocatalytic activity of ZnO. Among all catalysts, the sample co-modified with Au and F at thermal shock temperature of 400 °C showed the best performance which was three times greater than that of unmodified ZnO sample under both UVA light and visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of our modified catalysts can be attributed to the synergic effect of HAuCl4 and KF precursors which are able to produce Au(0) nanoparticles, Au+ ions and zinc vacancies on the oxide surface.
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