Effect of annealing temperature on structural and optical properties of Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles and their photocatalytic efficiency in alprazolam degradation

Mg-doped ZnO nanocrystallites were prepared via conventional solid-state reaction when ZnO and MgO precursors were stoichiometrically mixed and heated at 700 °C, 900 °C and 1100 °C for 2 h in air atmosphere. Influence of annealing temperature on structural and optical properties of the obtained nanoparticles was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, Raman and UV–vis spectroscopy. The efficiency of Mg-doped ZnO water suspensions in the photocatalytic degradation of alprazolam, short-acting anxiolytic of the benzodiazepine class of psychoactive drugs, under UV irradiation was compared with efficiency of pure ZnO and TiO2 Degussa P25.