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Effect of Cr Doping on Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles

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Abstract

Visible–light response semiconductors have been recognized by many researchers as powerful photocatalysts due to their efficient utilization of solar energy. Herein, Cr-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Cr-ZnO NPs) with different Cr atomic percentages were synthesized via a facile sol–gel route and systematically investigated with respect to the photocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant organic contaminants under visible–light conditions. The crystal structure and morphology of materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to confirm the presence of Cr3+ ions successfully incorporated into the ZnO lattice. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra revealed that Cr doping remarkably increased the absorption of ZnO NPs and charge carrier separation, resulting in improved photocatalytic degradation efficiency. In addition, a trapping experiment was conducted to identify the involvement of reactive radicals in the photocatalysis process, suggesting that photogenerated electrons play a predominant role in photocatalytic degradation of Cr-ZnO NPs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to record special thanks to the CM Thi Laboratory for supporting facilities. This work was financially supported by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) under Grant No. 1421/QĐ-ĐKC, 2018. This revised manuscript is completed thanks to my daughter’s inspiration.

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Author notes

  1. Thao Kim Truong and Thuan Van Doan have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, University of Science, VNU–HCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

    Thao Kim Truong, Huy Hong Tran, Hieu Van Le & Viet Van Pham

  2. NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

    Thuan Van Doan

  3. Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

    Vinh Quang Lam

  4. Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam

    Hai Nguyen Tran

  5. Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), 475A Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

    Thi Minh Cao

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  1. Thao Kim Truong
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Truong, T.K., Van Doan, T., Tran, H.H. et al. Effect of Cr Doping on Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles. J. Electron. Mater. 48, 7378–7388 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-019-07566-z

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