Efficient synthesis of Zn1-xYbxO nanoparticles at low temperatures for photocatalytic application

Abstract

A simple low-temperature assisted co-precipitation approach produced Zn_1-xYb_xO nanoparticles. The manufactured samples have hexagonal wurtzite structure, according to XRD. Zn_1-xYb_xO nanoparticles with Yb doping had larger average crystal diameters and microstrain. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrates that Zn_1-xYb_xO nanoparticles have essentially little optical band gap alteration and a distinct absorption edge of ZnO at 378 nm. The Yb photosensitive center's ²F_7/2 - ²F_5/2 transition absorption peak at 980 nm was also noticed. When impurities are above 5%, Yb-doped ZnO samples are ferromagnetic. Additionally, Zn_1-xYb_xO nanoparticles were photocatalytically active. Under a 250W mercury lamp, 50 mg of Zn_1-xYb_xO nanoparticles decomposed 10 mg/L RhB in a 200 mL solution in 30 minutes. Zn_1-xYb_xO nanoparticles catalytic activity relies on Yb content. The sample with 5% Zn_0.95Yb_0.05O had the highest photocatalytic performance.