Synthesis and characterization of pure tetragonal ZrO2 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method and characterized by various measurement techniques. The tetragonal crystalline structure of ZrO2 nanoparticles were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The binding energies of Zr and O were confirmed from the XPS spectrum. The band gap energy was estimated using optical absorption spectroscopy, found to be 4.8 eV. The UV (360 nm) and visible (403 nm and 537 nm) emissions were observed from PL spectrum. The thermal stability of the prepared ZrO2 nanoparticles was studied by TG-DTA analysis. The photocatalytic degradation of the as prepared ZrO2 nanoparticles was studied under UV light irradiation using methyl orange (MO) as a model organic pollutant. Results showed that 99% degradation was achieved within 50 min. Photoelectrochemical studies were also supported the photocatalytic activities.