Dye photosensitization of ZnO with metallophthalocyanines (Co, Ni and Cu) in photocatalytic conversion of greenhouse gases

In this study, dye photosensitized ZnO with Co, Ni and Cu phthalocyanines (Pc) was used in photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CH4, under visible light. The characterization of prepared photocatalysts (CuPc/ZnO, NiPc/ZnO, and CoPc/ZnO) showed that the uniform coverage surface morphology was observed for the CuPc/ZnO, and the absorbance spectra of zinc oxide extended to visible area. The results of photocatalytic activity have shown the maximum conversion of 15 and 13% for CO2 and CH4 under visible light and CuPc/ZnO, respectively. In addition, final products of conversion were characterized to be formate and acetate derivatives. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.