Sol–gel synthesized ZnO/Mn–TiO2 core–shell nanocomposite and its elevated activity for methyl orange degradation

Abstract

Photocatalysis is a new advanced oxidation process based on the irradiation of semiconductors such as TiO2 and ZnO for photodegradation of contaminants. In this process, the semiconductor absorbs the photon energy of ultraviolet radiation, generating highly reactive species for the degradation of organic compounds. It has been reported that doping of transition metals (e.g., Cu, Ni, Co, and Mn) into the structure of oxide semiconductors can reduce the band gap and expand their adsorption properties to the visible solar spectrum. Accordingly, a new hybrid photocatalyst of Mn-doped TiO2 / ZnO with an Mn content of 1 to 5 wt. % was synthesized via the sol–gel process followed by thermal calcinations in air at 500°C. The prepared photocatalyst powder was characterized in terms of crystalline structure, thermal property, surface morphology, and band gap energy level. Its photocatalytic performance was then assessed based on photodegradation of methylene orange under visible light irradiation. Compared with the pure TiO2 / ZnO, the lattice of Mn-doped TiO2 / ZnO was found to be more thermally stable, and thus phase transformation of anatase to rutile was postponed to a higher calcination temperature. The photocatalysis evaluation showed an increased activity of Mn–ZnO / TiO2 compared with pure TiO2 and TiO2 / ZnO under visible light irradiation. Accordingly, the highest degradation of 98% was obtained by the Mn–ZnO / TiO2 with 3 wt. % Mn.