Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+@ZnO nanocomposites as highly efficient visible light photocatalysts for the degradation of aqueous methyl orange

Highly efficient and reusable Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+@ZnO nanocomposites were developed for the photocatalysis of toxic pollutants from aqueous systems. The structural, photophysical and photocatalytic properties of the materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The synergistic effects between persistent luminescent Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor and ZnO significantly enhanced the photocatalytic efficiencies of the composites where the phosphor performed as nano-illumination sources to activate ZnO in situ. The composite system degraded aqueous methyl orange in less than 1 h under UV-Visible irradiation. The materials developed are environment friendly, cost effective, highly efficient and reusable making them powerful candidates for industrial waste water remediation. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Highly efficient and reusable Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+@ZnO nanocomposites were developed for the photocatalysis of toxic pollutants from aqueous systems. The materials exhibited excellent photophysical and photocatalytic properties, degrading pollutants rapidly under UV-Visible irradiation.