Fabrication of Zn1−xNixWO4 nanorods with superior photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performances

Abstract

In this study, we report on Ni doped ZnWO4 nanorods with varied Ni concentration via a simple and eco-friendly hydrothermal method. The doping of Ni in ZnWO4 nanorods was established from the XPS and EDS analysis. Additionally, the doping induced strain in ZnWO4 lattice lead to different photo-physical properties while compared with pristine ZnWO4 nanorods. The prepared Zn0.95Ni0.05WO4 nanorods were applied as catalyst in the degradation of RhB under ultraviolet light. The results demonstrate Zn0.95Ni0.05WO4 nanorods to display superior photocatalytic performance than pristine ZnWO4, exhibiting an apparent rate constant of 0.015 min−1. It is noted that increasing Ni dopant concentration, increases defects and improves the stability and adsorption efficiency, and accelerate charge transfer process and efficiently enhance the photocatalytic activity. Also, Ni-doping enhanced the electronic conductivity, which resulted in improving their overall photocatalytic activities.