Synthesis and Characterization Performance of Amphiphilic ZnO, a Novel Photocatalyst Suitable for Degradation of Contaminants in Oil–Water Two Phase System

Abstract

Amphiphilic zinc oxide (ZnO) was successfully prepared by modifing neat ZnO with silane coupling reagent KH-570. The modified ZnO and neat ZnO were characterized by measurement of the lipophilic degree value; Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that KH-570 was successfully coated on surface of the neat ZnO, as a result, the modified ZnO was amphiphilic. Compared with neat ZnO, amphiphilic ZnO has a better compatibility with the organic solvent and its photocatalysis ability for oil degradation was enhanced by 28%. The improved oil degradation performance of amphiphilic ZnO can be explained by its hydrophobic property, which is benefit for absorbing oil in water.