Synthesis of chrysotile based nanocomposites for tuning band gap and photocatalytic property

Abstract

A novel type of chrysotile@ZnO nanocomposite was prepared by ZnO nanoparticles generated on the surface of chrysotile to improve its utility and tune the band gap and property of ZnO nanoparticles. XRD , SEM, TEM , BET, PL and UV–vis were used to study the phase, morphology, microstructure and properties of the nanocomposite. The study of its photo-degradation performance took methylene blue (MB) as an organic dye model. Compared with chrysotile and ZnO nanoparticles, chrysotile@ZnO nanocomposite has a narrower band gap (1.91 eV) and stronger photo-catalytic activity. The results showed that the synergistic effect of surface passivation and interfacial action of chrysotile reduced the band gap and photon-hole recombination rate of ZnO nanoparticles, to enhance photo-degradability of organic pollutants and meanwhile endowed chrysotile with new performance. This work is novel and can be used as a basic experimental reference for the functionalization of clay minerals and the development of highly active supported catalysts. • Chrysotile@ZnO nanocomposites were prepared through direct precipitation method. • Compared with ZnO, chrysotile@ZnO nanocomposites have a narrow band gap (1.91 eV). • Chrysotile@ZnO nanocomposites showed strong photocatalytic activity. • The combination of chrysotile and ZnO endowed chrysotile to special performance. • The combination of chrysotile and ZnO improved the catalytic activity of ZnO.