Functional control of ZnO nanoparticles by F, C-codoping

F , C -codoped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by the precipitation method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra (XPS) measurements confirmed the existence of F – Zn , C – F , – CF 2 – and O – C – O bonds in the lattices of ZnO nanoparticles. The band gap of ZnO was narrowed due to F and C dopants, which should be beneficial for the improvement of the photocatalytic activity. However, our experiments demonstrated that F , C -codoping restrained the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. To detect the possible microstructural defects, the analysis of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was performed. It was suggested that the positive-charged [Formula: see text] defects were formed by the substitution of F ions for O lattice sites. [Formula: see text] defects are deep donors and act as recombination centers for photo-generated electrons and holes, which could result in the decrease of the photocatalytic activity. Although the photocatalytic activity of F , C -codoped ZnO is depressed, the antibacterial activity still keeps a comparable level in comparison with that of pure ZnO . Therefore, this material has a potential application in textiles.