Investigation of photocatalytic property of ZnO films doped with samarium by the polymeric precursor method

Full text: The ZnO films doped with Sm (0, 2 and 4 mol%) were prepared by spin coating method, the resin obtained from the synthesis of polymeric precursors. Thermal analysis techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and measures the UV - Vis were used for characterization of thin films. The results of XRD diffraction characteristic peaks indicate thin films of ZnO layer type structure with hexagonal wurtzite the presence of Sm2O3 phase was observed in the sample doped with 4% of Sm. The photocatalytic performance of the films was tested with the photodegradation of dye methylene blue. The methylene blue spectrum measured after photodegradation test indicate that the doped ZnO 4% Sm shows a better activity on the methylene blue dye photobleaching compared to pure ZnO film. (author)