A novel high efficiency polar photocatalyst, Zn(IO3)2: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Photocatalytic Activity

Polarized Zn(IO3)2 has been successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The crystal structure and morphology of Zn(IO3)2 were detected by XRD, TEM and SEM. Zn(IO3)2 was fabricated and has demonstrated excellent catalytic activity. The obtained photocatalytic efficiency is higher than that of a commercial TiO2 P25 catalyst under UV (λ > 254 nm) light irradiation. By combining time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) and BET measurements, it can be revealed that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Zn(IO3)2 can be properly attributed to the promoted separation and prolonged lifetime of photogenerated carriers caused by the internal polarization field.