Modulating the Midgap States of 3D-2D Hybrid ZnO by Codoping and Its Effect on Visible Photocatalysis

Devi, HR and Solanki, V and Nanda, KK (2022) Modulating the Midgap States of 3D-2D Hybrid ZnO by Codoping and Its Effect on Visible Photocatalysis. In: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 61 (12). pp. 4244-4254.

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Abstract

Activity of a catalyst can be improved either by increasing the surface area, intrinsic activity (photon absorption and redox potential) or by limiting the electron-hole recombination. The surface area can be increased by reducing the size, while band gap engineering can reduce the band gap, thereby enhancing the light-driven functionality of a semiconductor. The position of the energy level decides the intrinsic activity and also the electron-hole recombination probability. Here, we have reported the role of various parameters by the engineering of the band structures of a three-dimensional (3D)-two-dimensional (2D) ZnO hybrid consisting of porous 3D and sheet-like 2D structures through nitrogen-carbon codoping. The hybrid 3D-2D structures are obtained through a simple and cost-effective hybrid approach (coprecipitation and open-air combustion). Co-doping of nitrogen and carbon occupies the lattice oxygen and interstitial sites, respectively, and generates mid-gap states at 2.2 and 2.7 eV for maximal co-doped ZnO. Interestingly, the as-mentioned hybrid displays the highest degradation of rhodamine B under visible light due to its highest photon absorption capacity and demonstrates its visible light-driven functionality. Moreover, a unique approach for the reusability test has been adopted, which demonstrates the reusability of the catalyst without deterioration in activity at least for six cycles. Overall, we believe that the present study will motivate the researchers to further explore the area of midgap state engineering to achieve visible light-driven activity of wide band gap semiconductors. © 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
Publisher:	American Chemical Society
Additional Information:	The copyright for this article belongs to American Chemical Society
Keywords:	Carbon; Catalyst activity; Cost effectiveness; Degradation; Deterioration; Energy gap; II-VI semiconductors; Light; Nitrogen; Photons; Redox reactions; Semiconductor doping; Wide band gap semiconductors; Zinc oxide, 2D structures; Absorption potential; Co-doping; Electron-hole recombination; Intrinsic activities; Photons absorption; Redox potentials; Surface area; Visible-light-driven; ]+ catalyst, Reusability
Department/Centre:	Division of Chemical Sciences > Materials Research Centre
Date Deposited:	17 May 2022 10:26
Last Modified:	06 Sep 2022 10:16
URI:	https://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/71776

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