Sonochemical syntheses of iron doped zinc Oxide nanoparticles at different sonication powers and temperatures with their application for photocatalytic degradation of PVC-ZnO composite film

Abstract

Doping with iron enhances various properties of zinc oxide making it suitable for several applications. Sonochemical route is an easy way for synthesis of doped ZnO nanoparticles. Input-powers of ultrasound and synthesis-temperature have significant influences over the characteristics of iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Effects of the varying sonication powers and synthesis temperatures on the average grain size, band gap and magnetic properties of doped ZnO were studied using UV-vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron micrography (FESEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and SQUID-magnetometer. Both temperature and sonication power influenced the characteristics. The nanoparticles were then used for casting composite films with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and photodegradation of the film was examined under sunlight. Performances of nanoparticles synthesised at different conditions were compared. Maximum degradation of about 12% was obtained within three hours with nanoparticles synthesised at 42 W power and 30°C temperature.