Synthesis, Characterization, and Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of Nanosized Carbon Doped Zinc Oxide

ZnO precursor was prepared using microemulsion method. Precursor was calcined in a furnace in a temperature range of 300–500°C with an interval of 100°C. Precursor and calcined nanopowders were characterized using TG/DTA, XRD, FT-IR, EDX, TEM, SEM, and particle size analyzer. Precursor calcined at 300°C for 2 h contains 3.87% carbon (C). Increase in calcination temperature of precursor shows decrease in C content. Precursor calcined at 500°C for 2 h yielded pure ZnO. UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to analyze the concentration of MG during the degradation process. In presence of visible light C doped ZnO obtained by calcining precursor at 300°C shows better photocatalytic activity for MG degradation. Parameters affecting the photocatalytic process such as calcination temperature of catalyst, catalyst loading, MG concentration, and pH of solution have been investigated.