ZnO:ZnWO4 heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic activity for pollutant degradation in liquid and gas phases

Author(s)

Carvalho, Kele T. G. ^[1] ; Lopes, Osmando F. ^[2] ; Ferreira, Debora C. ^{[3, 1]} ; Ribeiro, Caue ^{[4, 1]}

Affiliation

^[1] Embrapa Instrumentacao, Rua 15 Novembro, 1452 CP 741, BR-13561206 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Quim, Av Joao Naves Avila 2121, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim Sao Carlos, Av Trabalhador Sao Carlense 400, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Forschungszentrum Julich, Inst Energy & Climate Res Electrochem Proc Engn I, D-52425 Julich - Germany

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Alloys and Compounds; v. 797, p. 1299-1309, AUG 15 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Here we report, for the first time, a versatile ZnO:ZnWO4 heterostructure active for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants in liquid and gaseous media, prepared using a simple hydrothermal method driven by the differences in chemical solubility of the components. This heterostructured material was effective in the oxidation of methylene blue dye, caffeine, and amiloride in aqueous solution, and ethylene gas. High photocatalytic performance was attributed to the spontaneous formation of hetero-junctions between ZnO and ZnWO4 during the synthesis step, increasing electron/hole pair lifetimes. Recycling experiments revealed that the heterostructure was stable over time, indicating the commercial potential of this material. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/09746-3 - Electro-/Photoelectrocatalysis Reduction of CO2: Efficiency, Selectivity and Oscillatory Kinetics
• Grantee: Osmando Ferreira Lopes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/17639-4 - Obtainment of nanostructured semiconductors: correlation of the photocatalytic properties to their structural characteristic
• Grantee: Waldir Avansi Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/12304-0 - Evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4/Nb2O5 heterojunctions in the abatement of pollutants in gas phase
• Grantee: Kele Tatiane Gomes Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/13888-0 - Synthesis of BiVO4/bismuth oxides nano-heterostructures and evaluation of photocatalytic properties
• Grantee: Osmando Ferreira Lopes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate