Nano-sized Fe-metal catalyst on ZnO–SiO2: (photo-assisted deposition and impregnation) Synthesis routes and nanostructure characterization

A nano-sized Fe metal on ZnO–SiO2 was synthesized using the photo-assisted deposition (PAD) and impregnation routes. The obtained samples were characterized by a series of techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, N2 adsorption, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Photocatalytic reactivity using Fe–ZnO–SiO2 catalysts under visible-light condition on the degradation of methylene blue dye was evaluated. The results of characterization reveal, a notable photocatalytic activity of PAD:Fe–ZnO–SiO2 which was about 9 and 12 times higher than that of Img:Fe–ZnO–SiO2 and ZnO–SiO2, respectively.

► We prepared Fe/ZnO–SiO2 by two methods.
► We tested photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue dye.
► We controlled band gap and size.
► We found activity of Fe/ZnO–SiO2 prepared by PAD is hightest photocatalytic activity.