UV-Light Absorption and Photocatalytic Properties of Zn-Doped CeO2 Nanopowders Prepared by Ultrasound Irradiation

Abstract

Ceria (CeO2) nanopowders doped with various Zinc (Zn) compositions were synthesized from solution by irradiating ultrasound waves. Ultrasound waves were irradiated to aqueous/isopropanol solution of cerium nitrate and zinc nitrate mixtures. Aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide was droped into that solution until pH becomes 10. Dried precipitates were calcinated at 100°C to form CeO2 nanopowders. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis shows the CeO2 nanopowder possess fluorite cubic structure. Ultrasound irradiation resulted in nanometric powder of CeO2 with spherical in shape. The addition of Zn into CeO2 reduces the particle size and shows strong absorbance in the ultra–violet (UV) region. Moreover, the addition of 20 mol% Zn is inhibiting photocatalytic activity of CeO2 under sunlight irradiation. These results suggest that Zn-doped CeO2 is more promising for UV radiation protection with no presence photocatalytic activity.