MgO-based nanosheets loaded with ZnxMg1−xO nanoparticles with UV light-driven photocatalytic performance
Abstract
This paper reports the synthesis of MgO-based nanosheets loaded with UV-light absorbed, wurtzite ZnxMg1−xO nanoparticles based on calcining Zn2+-adsorbed Mg(OH)2 precursor, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction, UV-visible, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, etc. The surface modification of magnesium oxide (MgO) sheet-like adsorbents by Zn–Mg–O alloys generates photocatalytic activity for the degradation removal of cationic dye Rhodamine B and anionic dye methyl orange under UV light irradiation. These findings provide a route to chemically controlled synthesis of new and highly robust MgO–ZnxMg1−xO materials for water purification. The endowed photocatalysis function of MgO makes it be easily recovered via photodegradation of adsorbed dyes rather than high-temperature calcination, thus extending the applications of MgO in dye wastewater treatment.
