Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of ZnO:Gd films produced by spray pyrolysis using methylene blue pollutant

KARAKAYA S., Kaba L.

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, cilt.34, sa.16, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 34 Sayı: 16
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10854-023-10712-3
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC, MEDLINE, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this study, Gd-doped ZnO (ZnO:Gd) films were produced on glass substrates by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) technique. It is aimed to get better properties of ZnO films for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications by doping Gd element. The effect of Gd doping on the structural, optical, surface, and photocatalytic properties of the films was investigated. The wettability of the samples was evaluated using water contact angle measurements. Methylene blue (MB) was chosen as organic pollutant to determine the photocatalytic performance of ZnO:Gd films. Using MB as photocatalyst in 7%-doped ZnO:Gd film, it was successfully degraded at a rate of 92%. Gd doping caused an increase in the photocatalytic activity and organic pollutant adsorption capacity of ZnO films. From the photocatalytic activity tests, it was determined that especially the increasing amount of additive affected the photocatalytic degradation. As a result, Gadolinium (Gd) doping on ZnO films is an effective way to increase the use potential of pure ZnO films in photocatalytic applications.