Band gap engineering and photocatalytic activity of new trirutile structure Zn1-xMgxSb2O6 (0< x<1) solid solution

Abstract

Solid solution of trirutile structure type antimonate Zn_1-xMg_xSb₂O₆(0<u><</u> x <u><</u>1) and its photocatalytic activity is reported here. Compound has been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and the data confirms the formation of single phasic trirutile products throughout the solid solution. SEM reveals spherical shaped particles with an average particle size of 0.25 – 0.5 µm. EDAX analysis confirms the elemental composition. Raman spectral modes of Zn_1-xMg_xSb₂O₆characteristic of trirutile structure confirm Mg substitution into ZnSb₂O₆. UV – visible diffused reflectance spectra show optical absorption edge in the range of 370 – 318 nm. The band gap in the range of 3.35 – 4.05 eV has indicated the band gap engineering of Zn_1-xMg_xSb₂O₆ (0<u><</u> x <u><</u>1) and is explained by electro negativity and band dispersion. All the compositions of Zn_1-xMg_xSb₂O₆have shown significant photocatalytic activity towards degradation of rhodamine B and it is maximum for MgSb₂O₆ whose remarkable photocatalytic activity is described here.