In the present study, nano-structured ZnO and Sn-doped ZnO photocatalysts with high sunlight photocatalytic activity were successfully synthesized through the decomposition of zinc acetate and glucose by microwave heating. The prepared ZnO and Sn-doped ZnO photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence spectrum (PL), UV–vis absorption spectrum (UV–vis), N 2 adsorption and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results showed that the doping greatly changed the microstructure, morphology and optical properties of ZnO, which may contribute to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. The sunlight photocatalytic activity of the prepared pure ZnO and Sn-doped ZnO photocatalyst was investigated by the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) solution under sunlight irradiation. Compared with pure ZnO, 13% higher decolorization rate and 29–52% higher mineralization efficiency were obtained by the Sn-doped ZnO. The results indicated that Sn-doped ZnO had a higher photocatalytic activity and Sn dopant greatly increased the photocatalytic activity of ZnO.

Enhanced sunlight photocatalytic performance of Sn-doped ZnO for Methylene Blue degradation

Sn doping effects on the electro-optical properties of sol gel derived transparent ZnO films

Influence of Sn doping on ZnO nanostructures from nanoparticles to spindle shape and their photoelectrochemical properties for dye sensitized solar cells

Undoped and Sn-doped ZnO nanopowder samples were prepared by the sol–gel method. The crystalline structure and surface morphology of the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. X-ray diffraction results indicate that the samples exhibit a hexagonal crystal structure. Electrical properties of the samples were measured by two probe method. The activation energies of the ZnO samples for low and high temperatures regions were determined. The optical band gaps of the samples were determined by optical absorption method. It was found that the samples have a direct transition optical band gap and the optical band gap values of the ZnO samples were changed with Sn doping. Quartz crystalline microbalance (QCM) technique was employed to investigate sensor features of the ZnO samples. The humidity sensor properties of undoped and Sn-doped ZnO samples based on quartz crystalline microbalance sensors were investigated. The obtained results indicate that the undoped and Sn-doped ZnO nanopowder samples can be used for humidity sensor applications.

Preparation of semiconductor ZnO powders by sol-gel method: Humidity sensors

The optical band gap in free standing transparent zinc oxide (ZnO) films using the sol?gel method was studied. The effect of Sn doping on grain size, vibrational structure and on the optical properties of ZnO films was investigated. Contrary to the common observation, the optical band gap of Sn-doped ZnO is red-shifted from 3.38 to 3.18?eV as the doping weight percentage is increased to 3%. The redshift of the optical band gap is due to the deep states in the band gap, and a change of ~0.2?eV can only be observed when a substrate is not used. This study illustrates that removal of interaction between film boundaries and substrate is essential for developing effective band gap-tunable ZnO thin films.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0022-3727/42/18/185002/pdf

Enhanced redshift of the optical band gap in Sn-doped ZnO free standing films using the sol?gel method

Undoped and doped ZnO thin films were prepared by sol–gel method and deposited on tin-doped indium oxides (ITO) substrate using spin coating technique. The effects of Sn and Sb dopants on structural and optical properties were investigated. The starting material was zinc acetate dihydrate, 2-methoxyethanol was used as solvent and monoethanolamine (MEA) as stabilizer. ZnO films were doped with 2% and 7% Sn and Sb concentrations. Optical measurements show an important effect of Sn and Sb dopants on optical band gap.

H. Benelmadjat

Papers

Fabrication and characterization of pure and Sn/Sb-doped ZnO thin films deposited by sol–gel method

Study of structural and optical properties of Sb doped ZnO thin films deposited by spin coating method

Copper phthalocyanine nanocrystals embedded into polymer host: Preparation and structural characterization