Enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of Y2O3–ZnO nanocomposites under visible light: Towards multifunctional materials for electronic and environmental applications

Abstract

ZnO doping with different yttrium rare earth element concentrations was synthesized using a simple, effective, and inexpensive combustion technique. The structural morphologies of the proposed Y2O3-doped nanostructures were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transformation Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The obtained results encouraged the ZnO growth to a satisfactory nanoparticle structure. As varying the yttrium ratios, the crystallinity of the host ZnO material was modified, which supports the growth efficiency and the doping effects. The linear optical, energy bandgap, dielectric and electrical parameters for the studied Y2O3–ZnO nanomaterials were characterized using UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, current-voltage, and AC electrical conductivity characteristics. The efficiency of photocatalytic degradation for different dyes, including Methylene Blue, Phenol, and Rhodamine B, was considered applying all Y2O3–ZnO nanostructures. Increasing the yttrium in the ZnO matrix improved the photocatalytic efficiency. For Y2O3–ZnO (S5), the optimal photocatalyst was a 100% degradation for Phenol, Methylene Blue, and Rhodamine B solutions compared to 80% photocatalysis using pure ZnO. The proposed Y2O3-doped ZnO nanocomposites are promising applicants for numerous biomedical, optical, environmental, varistors, and photocatalytic nanodevices.