Preparation and photocatalytic properties of hexagonal-shaped ZnO:Sm3+ by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

Abstract: Novel 3D rods ZnO:Sm monophasic microcrystals have been synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method at 140 degrees C for 10 min. The experimental results revealed that concentration of samarium have a significant influence on the band gap and photocatalysis. On the other hand, the samarium in the ZnO semiconductor structure increases photodegradation activity. ZnO sample doped with 8% Sm3+ exhibited the best activity in the photodegradation of methylene blue dye when compared to that doped with 0-4 mol%. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to samarium, which inhibits the recombination of electron-hole pairs.

Author(s):  Carvalho, RG; Tavares, MTS; Oliveira, FKF; Nascimento, RM; Longo, E; Li, MS; Paskocimas, CA; Bomio, MRD; Motta, FV

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS

DOI: 10.1007/s10854-017-6496-3