Abstract
This work supports the novelty of ZnO based semiconductor composites as a potential photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. ZnO:Fe:Ni nanocomposites were prepared by solution combustion route. The prepared product was characterized for structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic activities. The crystallinity and the structure of the samples were determined by X-Ray diffractometer and the relevant structural parameters were obtained using Rietveld fitting of the X-ray spectra. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the elemental presence and the valence state of the elements present in the sample. UV visible absorption spectra have been utilized to calculate the band gap of the prepared samples. The prepared nanocomposite showed good photodegradation of MB dye. In general, many photocatalytic degradation studies have been reported using the man-made light source, however in the present chapter work on ZnO:Fe:Ni composite used in degradation of methylene blue in presence of direct sunlight is discussed.