Structural, optical and photocatalytic studies of Zn doped MoO3 nanobelts

In this study, we report a synthesis of nanobelts-form zinc (Zn) doped molybdenum oxide (MoO3) with different weight percentages (2%, 3.3%, 4%, and 5%). The synthesized nanobelts grain size is of 45 nm. The preparation process and characterization techniques are presented in detail. Structural properties are studied by using the X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties are investigated by using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis reflectance spectra analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence techniques. It was founded that Zn doping concentration highly influences the crystallographic structure where it passes from the insertion to the substitution alloys. The band gap decreases from 2.96 eV to 2.83 eV. The good structural and optical properties were obtained for the 5%Zn. The photocatalytic effect of the materials was studied for the pure and 5%Zn doped MoO3 and it was denoted that Zn doping influences it highly.