Photocatalytic O2 evolution from water over Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides intercalated with inorganic anions

• Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides intercalated with inorganic anions were synthesized.
• Photocatalytic activity of the LDHs was studied by O2 evolution.
• All the prepared LDHs showed photocatalytic activity under either UV and/or visible light irradiation.
• The interlayer anions affected the photocatalytic activity of the LDHs.

Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides (LDHs) intercalated with inorganic anions (CO32−, Cl−, SO42− and NO3−) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and the anion exchange process. The photocatalytic activity of the LDHs was studied by O2 evolution from aqueous solution of AgNO3 as a sacrificial agent. All the prepared LDHs showed photocatalytic activity under either UV and/or visible light irradiation. Besides, the interlayer anions affected the photocatalytic activity of the LDHs. After irradiation, Ag particles were formed on the LDHs by accepting the electrons generated during the photocatalytic reaction.

The photocatalytic activity of Zn–Cr LDHs intercalated with various inorganic anions was studied by O2 evolution from aqueous solution of AgNO3 as a sacrificial agent. All the prepared LDHs showed photocatalytic activity under either UV and/or visible light irradiation. The interlayer anions affected the photocatalytic activity of the LDHs.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide