Enhanced photocatalytic activity of V₂O₅/ZnO heterostructures for malachite green dye using solar simulator irradiation

The photocatalytic response and synergistic response of V₂O₅, ZnO, and V₂O₅/ZnO composites with varying concentrations have been reported. The efficacious fabrication of these heterostructures and nanostructures was confirmed through EDX, XRD, and FTIR analysis. UV–vis and PLE spectral results indicated that the optical band gap of the V₂O₅/ZnO heterostructure increases with greater ZnO ratios. These results improve the understanding of agglomerated heterostructures of V₂O₅/ZnO at concentrations of 1:1 and 1:3 for potential photocatalytic applications. Consequently, the prepared heterostructures were tested on Malachite Green dye with solar light, attaining an efficiency of 95.28 %. Further investigation into photocatalytic efficacy through reusability experimentations over three cycles demonstrated that these heterostructures maintain stability, indicating their potential for further photocatalytic applications.