ZrB2 Nanosheets; Synthesis, Characterization, and Application

Abstract

Among numerous super high temperature ceramics, Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) has drawn in increasingly more consideration due to its unique combination of properties. As it has high melting point, high strength, high thermal and electrical conductivity, chemical inertness, and low density. Two-dimensional, zirconium diboride (ZrB2) nanosheets are prepared through liquid phase exfoliation and the prepared samples are characterized through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy to determine morphology, phase analysis, optical properties, and dimensional aspects of nanosheets, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of ZrB2 nanosheets were studied in comparison to TiO2 nanoparticles. Commercial TiO2 nanoparticles and exfoliated nanosheets are used to prepare ZrB2 /TiO2 nanocomposites with different weight compositions 0.5%, 1% and 2% (ZrB2 nanosheets) to evaluate photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B. The photocatalytic behaviour studied under the UV light for photo degradation of Rhodamine B. From the photocatalytic results, it is inferred that 1% nanocomposite shows the best performance with about 85% degradation in just 60 minutes.