Efficient degradation of organic pollutants under solar irradiation using an n–p ZnO/NiO heterostructure
B. Ben Salem, Wahida Ltaief, S. Ben Ameur, H. Guermazi, S. Guermazi, B. Duponchel, G. Leroy
Abstract
higher than that of pure NiO, confirming the improved conduction properties of the prepared nanocomposite. Additionally, the BET analysis revealed a significant specific surface area, which is favorable for catalytic applications. The photocatalytic activities of the ZnO/NiO heterojunction in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes were investigated under natural solar irradiations. Photocatalytic degradation efficiencies were estimated through the evaluation of the decrease of the dye's characteristic absorbance bands (MB: 664 nm, MO: 464 nm). The nanocomposite shows good photocatalytic activity after 180 min, with a faster degradation rate of MB.