Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO/N-rGO For Lignin Degradation Under Vis Light Energy

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MRS Advances © 2019 Materials Research Society DOI: 10.1557/adv.2019.406

PHOTOCATALYTIC PERFORMANCE OF ZnO/N-rGO FOR LIGNIN DEGRADATION UNDER VIS LIGHT ENERGY A. Ramos-Coronaa, R. Rangela, J. J. Alvarado-Gilb, E. Ademc a División de Estudios de posgrado de la Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Gral. Francisco J. Múgica S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Z.P. 58030 Morelia, Michoacán, México.

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Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Unidad Mérida, Z.P. 97310, Mérida, Yucatán, México.

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Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Z. C. 04510, México City, México

ABSTRACT

The present work describes a simple method to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles supported in nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide, ZnO/N-rGO. The rGO structures were nitrogendoped using hydrazine as nitrogen source (N-rGO) with the purpose of enhancing the rGO capability to promote the electrons transport along their surface. Thus, ZnO/N-rGO catalytic systems were tested as photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue and lignin molecules under ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light irradiation. N-doping of rGO was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Photocatalytic degradation studies confirm better performance of the ZnO/N-rGO in comparison to ZnO. The percentage of lignin degradation for the ZnO/N-rGO compound under UV was 59%, while using visible energy it was achieved 46%, in a time of 70 min.

INTRODUCTION In recent years, research on carbon-based materials has drawn attention to the photocatalytic treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater [1][2]. Particularly, graphene and its derivatives (GO, rGO) have experienced growth in their research due to their outstanding physical and chemical properties [3]. Its noticeable features include

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their tunable band, high electron mobility, flexibility, excellent chemical stability, and high specific surface area that allows it to be easily integrated to other materials [4]. Also hierarchical macro- and mesoporous three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based frameworks (3D-GFs) can be produced as a new generation of porous carbon materials for accommodating metal, metal oxide, and electrochemically active polymers into the graphene 3D network (CNT) [5]. In addition, graphene doping is also a promising and viable way to change its chemical composition and tuning its electronic bands. [6]. Among the elements available for doping, nitrogen is considered a promising candidate because of its similar atomic size compared to carbon atoms. Besides, each N atom has five valence electrons, which occupy the 2s and 2p atomic orbitals that are available to form strong bonds with carbon atoms [6]. It has also been reported that dopin