Preparation of graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites by heat treatment and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2013 Nov;13(11):7625-30. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2013.7819.

Abstract

ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by combining a solution containing zinconyl chloride in distilled water with a NH4OH solution under microwave irradiation. Graphene and ZrO2 nanocomposites were synthesized in an electric furnace at 700 degrees C for 2 hours. The heated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, UV-vis spectrophotometry was used to evaluate the heated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. The photocatalytic effect of the heated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites was compared with that of unheated graphene nanoparticles, heated graphene nanoparticles, and unheated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites in organic dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B) under ultraviolet light at 254 nm.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / radiation effects*
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Graphite / radiation effects
  • Hot Temperature
  • Light
  • Materials Testing
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / radiation effects
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Organic Chemicals / radiation effects*
  • Particle Size
  • Zirconium / chemistry*
  • Zirconium / radiation effects

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Graphite
  • Zirconium
  • zirconium oxide