Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue by NiO Thin Films under Solar Light Irradiation

Abstract

Nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were successfully deposited by sol-gel dip-coating method on glass substrates. The structural, morphological and optical properties in addition to the photocatalytic activity of the prepared films were investigated. The results show that the films have a polycrystalline NiO cubic structure with dense NiO grains and average optical transmittance in the visible region. The photocatalytic properties of the films were studied through the degradation of methylene blue and 89% of degradation was achieved for 4.5h of solar light irradiation exposure which indicates the capability of NiO photocatalytic activity.