The effect of ZnO vacancies on the photo-catalytic activities and magnetic properties
S.S. Nkosi
1
, V. Binas
2
, T. Kroon
3
, O.M. Ndwandwe
1
, G. Kiriakidis
2,4
1
University of Zululand, Department of Physics and Engineering, Private Bag X1001,
Kwadlangezwa 3886, South Africa
2
Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, FORTH, P.O. Box 1527, Vassilika Vouton, 711
10 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
3
University of Free State, Department of Physics, Bloemfontein 9301
4
Physics Department University of Crete Vassilika Vouton, GR-71110 Heraklion, Crete,
Greece
E-mail:
This study demonstrates that even wide band gap non-magnetic material as simple as ZnO
with some concentration of various vacancies can exhibit extraordinary properties. We have
fabricated hierarchical structures of ZnO by a chemical method and have annealed them in air
at various temperatures. We have further characterized these samples by x-ray diffraction,
scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, laser-photoluminescence,
and vibrating sample magnetometer. Moreover, we have carried the photo-decolourization of
dyes.
O 55
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