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Enhanced visible light responsive photocatalysis by ZnO:Mg/RGO nanocomposites

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Abstract

Mg and RGO activated ZnO nanocomposites were prepared using a low-cost soft chemical method. As per the structural studies the samples exhibit wurtzite structure of ZnO with hexagonal crystal system. No secondary phases were observed. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples were assessed through the degradation of cationic dyes, methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) under visible light irradiation. The studies revealed that the ZnO:Mg/RGO nanocomposite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic as well as antibacterial behavior compared to bare ZnO. The optical, structural and surface morphological studies support the reports on the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of the synthesized samples.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support from the Department of Science and Technology–Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB), India, through the research scheme (EMR/2016/003326) is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. P.G. & Research Department of Physics, AVVM Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), Poondi, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613 503, India

    K. Nithiyadevi & K. Ravichandran

  2. Department of Physics, Bharathidasan University Constituent College (Women), Orathanadu, Tamil Nadu, 614 625, India

    K. Nithiyadevi

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Nithiyadevi, K., Ravichandran, K. Enhanced visible light responsive photocatalysis by ZnO:Mg/RGO nanocomposites. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 28, 10929–10939 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-017-6873-y

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