Effect of annealing temperature on structural and optical properties of Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles and their photocatalytic efficiency in alprazolam degradation

Mg-doped ZnO nanocrystallites were prepared via conventional solid-state reaction when ZnO and MgO precursors were stoichiometrically mixed and heated at 700 degrees C, 900 degrees C and 1100 degrees C for 2 h in air atmosphere. Influence of annealing temperature on structural and optical properties of the obtained nanoparticles was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy. The efficiency of Mg-doped ZnO water suspensions in the photocatalytic degradation of alprazolam, short-acting anxiolytic of the benzodiazepine class of psychoactive drugs, under UV irradiation was compared with efficiency of pure ZnO and TiO2 Degussa P25. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.