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Nanocomposite TiO 2 /ZnO powders with different molar ratios were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal or solvothermal method. The effects of Zn-ion modification on the structural, optical, electronic, and photocatalytic properties of the TiO 2 /ZnO system was systematically investigated. Structural and optical characterization was performed using SEM, ΤΕΜ, XRD, BET and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance analyses. The performed transient photoconductivity measurements provided insights into electron interactions and charge carrier dynamics, which reflected in the rise and the decay processes. It was found that an 8% Zn modification is the optimal TiO 2 /ZnO molar ratio for achieving the highest photoconductivity values. The photocatalytic activity of the composites in the oxidation of atmospheric pollutants NO x under UV irradiation was significantly improved due to Zn modification. The highest photonic efficiency was observed for samples with 8% and 20% ZnO. Overall, Zn-modified TiO 2 exhibited improved photoconductivity and photocatalytic efficiency compared to pure TiO 2 , ZnO and commercial TiO 2 (P25), enhancing the potential of the TiO 2 /ZnO system for environmental applications.
Georgakopoulos et al. (Thu,) studied this question.