(S,C) co-doped ZnO properties and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

(S,C) co-doped ZnO system was prepared by Sol-Gel method from a single source of dopant (thiourea). The X-Ray diffraction pattern was indexed in a wurtzite phase without secondary phases formation. The codoping was confirmed by the modification of the cell parameters and ZnC, ZnS, SC and CO bonds identification with XPS study. The electrical conductivity σe ~ 3 × 10−4(Ωm)−1 was improved at room temperature particularly for both compositions x = 0.05 and × = 0.1 which influenced positively the photo degradation of eosin under visible light. The proposed mechanism has led to a promising application of these materials as electrodes in the field of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). The optical constants were globally improved and impacted the photoactivity under UVA. The high performance of the catalyst (S,C)0.2ZnO which demonstrates electrical energy consumption per order of magnitude EE/O of 2.1 kWh m−3 was attributed to the lowest optical conductivity (σopt = 6.634 × 10+7), dissipation factor (tanδ = 2.75 × 10−7) and the highest relaxation time (τ = 1.242 × 10−15s). The prepared materials were stable under visible light and UVA irradiation even after five recycles. (S,C)0.2ZnO was found to remove eosin, Bisphenol A, Acetamiprid and 4-hydroxy benzoïc Acid efficiently under sunlight.