Improving natural sunlight photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO nanowires decorated by iron oxide cocatalyst via a simple drop method

In this study, iron oxide cocatalysts were deposited on the surface of ZnO nanostructures by a simple “drop, evaporation, calcination” method. Different deposition concentrations studied, allowing to extend photocatalyst absorption spectral range from UV visible light, improving photocatalytic efficiency under natural sunlight. An optimal concentration 0.06% molar percentage against zinc led improve 11% Methyl Orange (MO) degradation after 5 h No leaching was detected ICP-MS analysis water purification photocatalysis. By studying lifetime stability sample powerful light source, no losses recorded several cycles. Nevertheless, photocorrosion damages observed with two antagonistic effects: (1) effect for regions covered and (2) an acceleration dissolution in uncovered regions. Thus, we assume electron/hole delocalisation, which is responsible activity improvement, also reason justifying part. The phenomena only not