Journal
CATALYSTS
Volume 12, Issue 1, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/catal12010060
Keywords
photocatalysis; ZnO; zinc oxide; photocatalysts; doping; microstructure; magnetron sputtering
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
ZnO is an important industrial metal oxide semiconductor. Reactive magnetron sputtering under Zn-rich conditions promotes the formation of intrinsic ZnO defects, resulting in the deposition of metallic Zn phase-rich ZnO films that exhibit superior photocatalytic efficiency compared to traditional ZnO oxide. This intentional formation of intrinsic ZnO defects can be considered advantageous self-doping. The addition of extrinsic dopants, such as copper or carbon, further modifies the microstructure of the films, with carbon having a positive effect on photocatalytic efficiency.
ZnO is one of the most important industrial metal oxide semiconductors. However, in order to fully realise its potential, the electronic structure of ZnO has to be modified to better fit the needs of specific fields. Recent studies demonstrated that reactive magnetron sputtering under Zn-rich conditions promotes the formation of intrinsic ZnO defects and allows the deposition of metallic Zn phase-rich ZnO films. In photocatalytic efficiency tests these films were superior to traditional ZnO oxide, therefore, the purposeful formation of intrinsic ZnO defects, namely Zn interstitials and oxygen vacancies, can be considered as advantageous self-doping. Considering that such self-doped ZnO remains a semiconductor, the natural question is if it is possible to further improve its properties by adding extrinsic dopants. Accordingly, in the current study, the metallic Zn phase-rich ZnO oxide film formation process (reactive magnetron sputtering) was supplemented by simultaneous sputtering of copper or carbon. Effects of the selected dopants on the structure of self-doped ZnO were investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope and photoluminescence techniques. Meanwhile, its effect on photocatalytic activity was estimated by visible light activated bleaching of Methylene Blue. It was observed that both dopants modify the microstructure of the films, but only carbon has a positive effect on photocatalytic efficiency.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available