Capability of novel ZnFe2O4 nanotube arrays for visible-light induced degradation of 4-chlorophenol

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 82; no. 4; pp. 581 - 586
• Main Authors: Li, Xinyong, Hou, Yang, Zhao, Qidong, Teng, Wei, Hu, Xijun, Chen, Guohua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier 2011
• Subjects: Aluminum oxide; Applied sciences; Arrays; Catalysis; Chlorophenols - chemistry; Degradation; Environmental Pollutants - chemistry; Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods; Exact sciences and technology; Ferric Compounds - chemistry; Incineration; Irradiation; Light; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Nanotubes - chemistry; Nanotubes - ultrastructure; Photocatalysis; Photochemical Processes; Pollution; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Zinc Compounds - chemistry; Scanning electron microscopy; Photocatalytic degradation; Pollutant behavior; Nanoparticle; Photocatalysis; Nanotube; Liquid chromatography; Chlorophenols; Visible-light; Intermediates; Ultraviolet radiation; Chlorophenol; Chlorine Organic compounds; Visible radiation; Reaction mechanism; Phenols; Nanostructured materials; Organic compounds; Photochemical degradation
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.09.068

Highly ordered ZnFe₂O₄ nanotube arrays were successfully prepared by anodic aluminum oxide templates from sol-gel solution. The results from environmental scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy indicated that the as-prepared samples were vertically aligned spinel ZnFe₂O₄ nanotube arrays, and the nanotubes were uniform along the axial direction with an average diameter of approximately 200 nm. The absorption edge of ZnFe₂O₄ nanotube arrays shifted to a higher energy in the UV-Vis absorption spectrum compared with that of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles film. The synthesized ZnFe₂O₄ nanotube arrays exhibited excellent photocatalytic capability for degradation of 4-chlorophenol under visible-light irradiation. The main intermediate degradation species of 4-chlorophenol identified by liquid chromatography-mass technique were benzoquinone, hydroquinone, hydroxybenzoquinone and 2-peroxy-o-dihydroxybenzene. The degradation pathways of 4-chlorophenol under visible-light irradiation was derived and discussed by interpreting the observations of the intermediate species in the photocatalytic reactions.