Preparation of TiO₂/ZnO composite catalysts and their photocatalytic activity for degradation of pentachlorophenol

This paper aims to report a novel preparation method of titanium dioxide (TiO₂)/zinc oxide (ZnO) composites with different mole ratios of TiO₂:ZnO and their photocatalytic activity.

TiO₂/ZnO composites are prepared by a facile route. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and ultra-violet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) are used to characterize the products. Photocatalytic activity of the samples is evaluated by degradation of persistent organic pollutant pentachlorophenol under ultra-violet (UV) irradiation.

It is found that all the as-prepared TiO₂/ZnO composites not only have good catalytic activity under UV light irradiation, but also have excellent circulation stability. The optimal mole ratio of TiO₂:ZnO is 0.75:1.

This report presents a simple and rapid method for the preparation of TiO₂/ZnO composites with excellent photocatalytic activity. Experimental results could provide useful reference for the treatment of chlorophenols in the future.