Facile synthesis of 2D single-phase Ni_0.9Zn_0.1O and its application in decolorization of dye

A novel single-phase Ni_0.9Zn_0.1O was synthesized by using a simple hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, morphology and element distribution have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and EDS mapping. The results showed that 2D graphene-like and porous structure was successfully grown on the surface of Ni_0.9Zn_0.1O. The single-phase Ni_0.9Zn_0.1O was further applied to remove Congo red (CR), which was used as a model of organic pollutants in aqueous solution. Unexpectedly, it is found that the graphene-like single-phase Ni_0.9Zn_0.1O has the superior adsorption capacity for CR in aqueous solution. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics follow Langmuir and pseudo-second order models, respectively. This study provides great promise of as-prepared Ni_0.9Zn_0.1O powders as absorbent for removal of organic dyes.