photocatalytic performance of zinc oxide particles prepared by solution combustion route

In this research zinc oxide particles prepared by solution combustion synthesis using zinc nitrate as oxidant and citric acid as fuel. The effect of citric acid to oxidant ratio (0.5, 1, 2 and 3) on phase formation, microstructure, optical properties and photocatalytic performance of the powders were studied using XRD, SEM and DRS techniques. Single phase ZnO particles by wurtzite structure was formed in all samples with nearly spherical morphology. Low band gap energy of the samples prepared by fuel to oxidant ratio of 1 might be due to its low crystallinity. The highest absorption efficiency (16%) and photodegradation of methylene blue in this sample (98%) during 180 min under UV- irradiation could be due to its high specific surface area.