Abstract: Fe-doped ZnO catalysts were prepared by a simple low cost method, and their Fe-doping effects on the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) were discussed. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-vis absorption spectrum (UV-vis). Fe-doped ZnO catalysts showed the higher degradation rates for the photocatalytic degradation of MO than that of pure ZnO, which was attributed to effects of the iron introduction. Fe-doping into ZnO can change the surface character of primary nanoparticles, inhibit the particle agglomeration, enhance absorption in both ultraviolet and visible region. These characteristics make the Fe doped ZnO catalysts to be promising candidates for the photocatalytic degradation of MO.

Key words: Fe-doped ZnO catalysts were prepared by a simple low cost method, and their Fe-doping effects on the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) were discussed. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-vis absorption spectrum (UV-vis). Fe-doped ZnO catalysts showed the higher degradation rates for the photocatalytic degradation of MO than that of pure ZnO, which was attributed to effects of the iron introduction. Fe-doping into ZnO can change the surface character of primary nanoparticles, inhibit the particle agglomeration, enhance absorption in both ultraviolet and visible region. These characteristics make the Fe doped ZnO catalysts to be promising candidates for the photocatalytic degradation of MO.