Synthesis ZnO/BaTiO3 heterostructured photocatalyst with improved efficiency in MB degradation under sunlight

Abstract

Heterostructured ZnO/BaTiO3 composites were successfully prepared with varying contents of BaTiO3 via a mixed solvent-thermal method. The samples are denoted as ZBTO-x:y, where x:y is weight ratio of ZnO và BaTiO3 (x:y=1:2, 1:3 và 1:5) in the reaction mixtures. The obtained materials were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectra (IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of ZBTO-x:y samples was assessed by degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under sunlight. Among them, ZBTO-1:3 displayed the best photocatalytic activity. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity for the ZBTO-1:3 was observed, which can be attributed to the presence of BaTiO3 in the materials.