Solution Combustion Synthesis of Nano ZnWO₄ Photocatalyst

ABSTRACT

ZnWO4 nanopowder photocatalyst has been successfully prepared by a simple solution combustion synthesis using Zn(NO₃)₂.6H₂O as oxidizer, sucrose as reducing agent and peroxo tungstic acid as tungsten source. The as prepared nanopowder was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The PXRD analysis revealed the formation of pure ZnWO₄ monoclinic phase. The crystallite sizes calculated using Scherrer equation are in the range 20–30 nm. SEM images exhibit highly porous nature of the product. BET surface area analysis of ZnWO₄ nanopowder shows large specific surface area of 19.20 m².g^–1. Photocatalytic activities of as synthesized powder were investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution under UV light irradiation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Combustion synthesis
• Zinc tungstate
• Methylene blue
• Photocatalytic activity