Structural, electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of zinc doped Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3 perovskites prepared by auto combustion sol-gel approach

Zn doped cobalt perovskites Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) nanoparticles were fabricated via auto-combustion sol-gel approach. The Zn doping effect was investigated based on the basis of structural, morphological, dielectric, electrochemical and photocatalytic properties. As-fabricated series of Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3 were characterized by XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) and UV-visible techniques along with dielectric properties. The orthorhombic phase of Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3 was obtained in the particle size range of 8-22 nm. Morphological analysis revealed the rod shape scattered particles of Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3. The dielectric loss, dielectric constant and tangent loss were decreased at higher frequency and effect of Zn doping was significant on the dielectric properties. The AC conductivity of Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3 was also affected as a function of Zn contents, which increased with the Zn contents. The specific capacitance of 132 Fg(-1) was observed. The Zn contents revealed a significant effect on the band gap energy of Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3, which is promising for photocatalytic application. The PCA (photocatalytic activity) was performed by degrading MO (methyl orange) dye and 69% removal was attained within 45 min under solar light irradiation. The results depicted that cobalt perovskites properties can be enhanced by Zn doping for different applications.

Automated summary

Zn-doped cobalt perovskites Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using auto-combustion sol-gel approach. The effects of Zn doping on structural, morphological, dielectric, electrochemical, and photocatalytic properties were investigated. Zn doping significantly influenced the dielectric properties, AC conductivity, specific capacitance, and band gap energy of Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3. The photocatalytic activity of Co1-xZn1.5xFeO3, enhanced by Zn doping, showed promise for applications such as dye degradation under solar light irradiation.