Stably Photocatalytic Decomposition of Rhodamine-B by Samarium Doped ZrO2-ZnO Composite under Simulant Solar Light Irradiation

The Sm-ZrO2-ZnO catalyst prepared by hydrothermal method is proved to be superior in stably photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B under simulant solar light irradiation. Sm doping improves the ultraviolet and visible light absorbance. Composition of ZnO with ZrO2 leads to enhancement of ultraviolet light absorbance, change of the ZnO morphology from nano-granule to rod and good dispersion of nano-ZrO2 particles over ZnO rod surface. The last is regarded as key to keep stable activity for the catalyst. The high photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the p-n heterojunction formation and uniform distribution of fine ZrO2 particles over ZnO. This morphology plays an import role in light absorption and enhances the separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs.