Synthesis, characterization and visible light photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped zinc oxide nanospheres

Pure and Nitrogen (N)-doped ZnO nanospheres were successfully prepared using microemulsion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study indicates formation of nanosized N-doped ZnO with wurtzite phase. Nitrogen incorporation into oxygen site of ZnO causes lattice compression and small peak shift toward lower 2θ value. Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements revealed the presence of N in ZnO lattice. Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study revealed spherical morphology of pure and N-doped ZnO samples. UV–visible spectra show that N-doping significantly enhanced the light absorption capacity of ZnO in the visible region. N-doped ZnO exhibits higher photocatalytic activity compared with that of commercial and pure ZnO nanoparticles. As prepared nanosized N-doped ZnO photocatalyst is highly stable and reusable.