Mn doped ZrO2 nanoparticles: An optically tuned photocatalyst with superior structural, magnetic and dielectric characteristics

Abstract

In the present study, pristine ZrO2 and Mn doped zirconia nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation technique. A comprehensive structural and spectroscopic analysis confirmed the purity of the tetragonal phase and the successful inclusion of Mn ions in the zirconia lattice. SEM and TEM analysis showed fine morphology with a narrow size distribution. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that Mn–ZrO2 NPs exhibit enhanced light absorption capacity, tuned band gap and good control over the rate of recombination of electron-hole pairs owing to the surface defect states and oxygen carriers/vacancies. In addition, the introduction of Mn contents into the ZrO2 lattice has significantly improved the dielectric properties. Zeta potential measurements have confirmed the stability of prepared photocatalysts. All prepared nanoparticles were catalytically evaluated for the decomposition of the methylene blue (MB). Interestingly, 10 % Mn–ZrO2 NPs have illustrated a peak efficiency of 96.2 % against MB dye after 160 min, making Mn-modified ZrO2 NPs a potentially visible light-activated photocatalyst. The present study not only showed room temperature ferromagnetism for all pure and Mn–ZrO2 samples, but also investigated the effect of tailored physiochemical characteristics on photocatalytic activity to get better insights into the ecological applications.