Document Type : Research Article
Authors
- Alphonsa Paul
- Jilu C. John
- Saji Augustine
- Tina Sebastian
- Ardhra Joy
- Juliya Joy
- Tintu Maria Michael
- Akhila K.S.
Abstract
We use simple, cost effective deposition techniques of doctor blading and chemical bath deposition to synthesize uniformly dispersed nanoparticle thin films of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and mesh fractal thin films Indium sulphide (In2S3) respectively. The resulting microstructures and phase composition of these films are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the optical studies are carried out using UV-Visible-NIR spectroscopy. Further, we report these thin films are photocatalytically active in different spectral regions and a comparative study is detailed in this work. The photocatalytic studies of both the films are carried out by using methylene blue (MB) dye as pollutant and their efficiencies are compared under UV and visible light irradiation. The results obtained shows that the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 film was conspicuous in the UV region where as In2S3 films showed significant activity in the visible region. Present study also confirms that photocatalysts in thin film forms are ideal for practical applications as they are efficient and also can be retrieved easily from the solution. These features favour their extensive use in eco-friendly environmental applications such as degradation of environmental pollutants, waste water treatment in textile industries and water purification.
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