Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic performance of ZnO/TiO_2 and ZnO/TiO_2/CuO nanocomposite

摘要

In the present study, an attempt was made to synthesize ZnO/TiO_2 and ZnO/TiO_2/CuO nanocomposites as photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutant (methylene blue) in aqueous solution under UV and visible light irradiation. Characterization using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis confirmed that all three components phase are present in the photocatalyst. The photodegradation of organic pollutant showed that with the incorporation of CuO content in ZnO/TiO_2 nanocomposites increasing the photocatalytic performance in ultraviolet as well as visible region.