Photocatalytic Comparative Study of TiO2, ZnO, Ag-G-ZnO and Ag-G-TiO2 Nanocomposite Films

• Published in: Key engineering materials Vol. 751; pp. 825 - 830
• Main Authors: Rodchanarowan, Aphichart, Kalnaowakul, Phuri, Phairatana, Tonghathai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 01.08.2017
• Subjects: Comparative studies; Crystal structure; Graphene; Methylene blue; Morphology; Nanocomposites; Photocatalysis; Photovoltaic cells; Scanning electron microscopy; Silver; Thermal decomposition; Thin films; Titanium dioxide; Ultraviolet radiation; X-ray diffraction; Zinc oxide; Zinc oxides; Composite Materials; ZNO; Titanium Dioxide (TiO2); Photocatalytic Activity
• ISSN: 1013-9826; 1662-9795; 1662-9795
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.751.825

In this study, the photocatalytic properties and morphology of TiO2, ZnO, Ag-graphene-zinc oxide (Ag-G-ZnO) and Ag-graphene-titanium dioxide (Ag-G-TiO2) nanocomposite were compared. The Ag-G-ZnO and Ag-G-TiO2 nanocomposite were successfully prepared by thermal decomposition of colloidal solution. These prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy and photocatalytic activities. The results from XRD patterns show that Ag-G-TiO2 composites and the Ag-G-ZnO nanocomposites were in the form of fcc and hcp crystal structure, respectively. The SEM images show that at calcination of 500 °C for 3 h, the composite thin film of Ag-G-ZnO and Ag-G-TiO2 were homogenous. In the case of the photocatalytic experiments using methylene blue dye (MB) under UV irradiation, the order of the photocatalytic activities from high to low performances are Ag-G-ZnO, Ag-G-TiO2, ZnO and TiO2, respectively.