Preparation and photocatalytic properties of hexagonal-shaped ZnO:Sm3+ by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

Novel 3D rods ZnO:Sm monophasic microcrystals have been synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method at 140 °C for 10 min. The experimental results revealed that concentration of samarium have a significant influence on the band gap and photocatalysis. On the other hand, the samarium in the ZnO semiconductor structure increases photodegradation activity. ZnO sample doped with 8% Sm 3+ exhibited the best activity in the photodegradation of methylene blue dye when compared to that doped with 0–4 mol%. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to samarium, which inhibits the recombination of electron–hole pairs.