Photocatalytic activity of ZrO2 nanoparticles prepared by electrical arc discharge method in water

ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesized through arc discharge of zirconium electrodes in deionized (DI) water. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the as prepared nanoparticles indicates formation a mixture of nanocrystalline ZrO2 monoclinic and tetragonal phase structures. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images illustrate spherical ZrO2 nanoparticles with 7–30 nm diameter range, which were formed during the discharge process with 10 A arc current. The average particle size was found to increase with the increasing arc current. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirms formation of ZrO2 at the surface of the nanoparticles. Surface area of the sample prepared at 10 A arc current, measured by BET analysis, was 44 m2/g. Photodegradation of Rhodamine B (Rh. B) shows that the prepared samples at lower currents have a higher photocatalytic activity due to larger surface area and smaller particle size.

Graphical abstractThe present study reports on the novel synthesis of ZrO2 nanoparticles using arc discharge of zirconium electrodes in deionized (DI) water for the first time. The results indicated formation of a mixture of nanocrystalline ZrO2 monoclinic and tetragonal phase with 7–30 nm diameter range.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide