Simple, novel and low-temperature synthesis of rod-like NiO nanostructure via thermal decomposition route using a new starting reagent and its photocatalytic activity assessment

Herein, rod-like NiO nanostructures were successfully synthesized by a thermal decomposition route at low temperature using nickel-metal organic framework (Ni-MOF) nanoparticles as a new starting reagent. Ni-MOF nanoparticles were prepared via a simple hydrothermal approach using 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid as organic ligand and Ni(CH3COO)2 as nickel source. Pure cubic phase of rod-like NiO nanostructures were synthesized after calcination of of Ni-MOF nanoparticles at 200 °C for 6 h into an autoclave. The morphology and microstructure of the obtained products were characterized by X-ray Diffraction patterns, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Fourier Transformed Infrared spectrum, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Photo Luminescence. Moreover, the efficiency of NiO nanostructures as a photocatalyst for the decolorization of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation has been evaluated. The synthesized NiO nanostructures exhibited appreciable photocatalytic activity and in presence of NiO, 99 % degradation of MB was obtained after 135 min.