Nanostructured zinc orthotitanates for photocatalytic removal of dye pollutants

Nanostructured zinc orthotitanates (Zn2TiO4) were synthesized using the probe sonicator followed by calcination under distinct high temperatures of 700 degrees C, 800 degrees C, 900 degrees C, and 940 degrees C. The XRD studies affirmed the formation of the cubic-spinel phase with a crystallite size of about 45 nm. The chemical composition and the respective M-O (M = Ti, Zn) bonds were confirmed using FT-IR and Raman analysis. The electronic states of elements were identified using XPS analysis. Morphological investigations are carried out to reveal the presence of unevenly distributed nanoparticle-like structures. Optical studies such as diffusive reflectance spectra (DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) affirmed that zinc orthotitanates maybe act as a photocatalyst for the removal of dye pollutants. The catalytic efficacy was determined by exposing Congo Red (CR) dye under visible photons over 60 min illustrating the photocatalytic efficacy following the sequence of progression is 940 degrees C > 900 degrees C > 800 degrees C > 700 degrees C.