Study on Photocatalytic Properties of La–Nd/ZnO in UV-vis Region and Possibility of Large-Scale Effluent Treatment Containing Reactive Dyes

Flower-shaped nanometer zinc oxide and its complex incorporating La–Nd have been prepared using hydrothermal method with zinc chloride and urea as raw materials, ethylene glycol as morphology controller. The powdered samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, photocatalytic test with solutions of reactive dyes as indicators. In conclusion, the optimum doping ratios of La/Nd are considered to be 3%/3%. When 3%La–3%Nd/ZnO was served as photocatalyst, considerable degradations of dyes were caused under the ultraviolet and visible light without exception, owing to the expanded excitation wavelength and reduced band gap of ZnO after incorporating. While using the compound material in effluent treatment containing reactive dyes, the decomposition rate of dyes, respectively, reached 99.99% and 80% or more under UV-light and visible irradiation for 60 min, appreciable removal effects of organic pollutants were obtained, testifying 3%La–3%Nd/ZnO to be a splendid UV-Vis catalyst.