Preparation of α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites and their photocatalytic activity under simulated sunlight irradiation

Using only zinc nitrate, ferric nitrate and sodium hydroxide as reactants, rod-like and flower-like α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites were prepared via a simple and rapid solution route by controlling the composition of precursor solution. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS). Photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light. The results indicated that both α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites possess higher photocatalytic activity than commercial P25 TiO₂. In addition, possible reasons why α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites have excellent photocatalytic performance were discussed.