Enhanced photocatalytic properties of quantum-sized ZnO induced by La ³⁺-Nd³⁺ co-doping

Nanoparticles of ZnO doped with La³⁺, Nd³⁺, co-doped with La³⁺ and Nd³⁺ were prepared using the sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV). The photocatalytic reactivities were evaluated by photodegradation of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine solution. Nanocrystalline ZnO co-doped with La³⁺ and Nd³⁺ at optimal concentration (2 at.% La³⁺ and 1.5 at.% Nd³⁺) shows a better synergistic effect, which significantly increases the photodegradation activity of nano-ZnO. The factors influencing photoreactivity of co-doped nanocrystalline ZnO have been discussed.