Abstract

A microwave method was used for the synthesis of TiO2-ZnO oxide systems. A detailed investigation was made of the effect of the molar ratio of components (TiO2:ZnO=9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, 1:9) on the crystalline structure and morphology. Based on the TEM pictures, confirmed the presence of octahedral and rod-shaped titania particles and sheet zinc oxide particles. Moreover, the synthesized materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and two crystalline forms - anatase and wurtzite were detected. Based on the adsorption-desorption N2 isotherms confirmed mesoporous characters of the analyzed binary materials, also the parameters of the porous structure have been defined. The key element of the work was to determine the photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO2-ZnO oxide systems in the degradation of phenol. Photo-oxidation tests proved that the binary oxide materials (especially the (9)TiO2-(1)ZnO and (7)TiO2-(3)ZnO samples) demonstrate high photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of phenol (95% after 80 min irradiation) compared with the reference titania sample. Furthermore, it was also pointed out that the dye-sensitized solar cells can be a second application for the synthesized TiO2-ZnO materials. The best photovoltaic parameters have been found in the case of the (9)TiO2-(1)ZnO material, which was characterized by an efficiency of 8.84%. The improvement effect is caused by introducing a material (ZnO) with a higher conductivity band into the TiO2-ZnO oxide system, additionally improving the transport of electrons inside the semiconductor layer.

Highlights

  • Nowadays, the world faces enormous challenges ahead as drinkable water run short due to natural disasters associated with global warming [1,2]

  • The best photovoltaic parameters have been found in the case of the (9)TiO2-(1)ZnO oxide system, which was characterized by an efficiency of 8.84%

  • It was noted that changing the molar ratio of TiO2:ZnO affects the crystallographic parameters, such as the phase composition, as well as the average crystallite size, and the morphology and parameters of the porous structure

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Summary

Introduction

The world faces enormous challenges ahead as drinkable water run short due to natural disasters associated with global warming [1,2]. The urbanization, as well as the development of the world economy, causes temperature increases in the natural environment and the problem with access to water [3,4]. The possible reuse of wastewater for agricultural and industrial activities may be the best solution for the future of sustainable water management. Since these wastewaters constitute one of the most extensive possible water resources, their reuse could. Proceedings 2020, 4, x FOR PEER REVIEW offset more clean water resources [5,6,7].

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