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Photocatalytic activities of multilayered ZnO-based thin films prepared by sol–gel route: effect of SnO2 heterojunction layer

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Abstract

In present study, ZnO/SnO2/ZnO/SnO2/ZnO multi–layer, ZnO/SnO2/ZnO triple layer and ZnO single layer films have been deposited on glass substrate by sol–gel dip–coating technique. The structural and optical properties of thin films have been investigated by X-ray diffractometer, UV–visible, photoluminescence spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy. The structural analysis reveals structural inhomogeneities and different crystallite growth processes as function of number of deposited layers. A comparison between photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide samples toward photodegradation of phenol, 4-aminophenol and 4-nitrophenol has been performed under UV light irradiation. Experiments were conducted to study the effects of operational parameters on the degradation rate. Pseudo-first-order photodegradation kinetics was observed on all films and the reaction constants were determined. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of ZnO multi–layer film was superior to that of the ZnO single- and triple-layer films. Differences in film efficiencies can be attributed to differences in crystallinity, surface morphology, defect concentration of oxygen vacancy and to presence of SnO2 sublayer that may act as trap for electrons generated in the ZnO layer thus preventing electron–hole recombination. The results reveal that SnO2 hetrojunction layers improve crystalline quality, optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO multilayered films.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the financial support provided by Islamic Azad University, Shahreza branch.

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  1. Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Razi Chemistry Centre, Women Research Council, 86145-311, Shahreza, Isfahan, Iran

    Nasrin Talebian & Parisa Memarnezhad

  2. Engineering Department, Sharekord University, P.B. 115, Sharekord, Iran

    Mohmmad Reza Nilforoushan

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  1. Nasrin Talebian
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Talebian, N., Nilforoushan, M.R. & Memarnezhad, P. Photocatalytic activities of multilayered ZnO-based thin films prepared by sol–gel route: effect of SnO2 heterojunction layer. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 65, 178–188 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-012-2922-4

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