Effective charge separation in binary ZnO-Bi2O3 photocatalytic material for the treatment of simulated wastewater

Abstract We have synthesized a binary ZnO-Bi2O3 nanocomposite material wherein effective charge separation is achieved at the interface of the two semiconductor metal oxides resulting in superior photocatalytic properties. The material was nanocrystalline with a band gap energy of 3.12eV. FESEM analysis revealed the formation of Bi2O3 microrods whose surface is modified by the ZnO nanoparticles. AFM and BET analyses revealed a highly rough surface with a surface area of 7.67m2/g. The in-situ generation of •OH was confirmed by EPR analysis. The material was used in the treatment of simulated wastewater containing Orange G dye under visible and solar light irradiation.