BNP-Codoped ZnO:Synthesis,Characterization & Photocatalytic Activities: Investigation of Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide

Four typical kinds of crop seeds were studied as non-metallic bio-precursors to synthesize Biogenic Nitrogen-Phosphorous-codoped ZnO (BNP-ZnO). The as-prepared BNP-ZnO samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FT-IR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results show that the as-synthesized nanomaterials have pure hexagonal wurtzite structure. Also the crystalline formation of ZnO and the absorbed species on the nanocrystals were observed. In the experiments it was found that the absorption edges of BNP-ZnO were extended to visible light compared to synthesized ZnO. Furthermore, experiments of crystal violet (CV) degradation under sunlight irradiation indicate superior photocatalytic activity of BNP-ZnO, of which the degradation rate is almost four times that of synthesized ZnO.