Abstract: The (Fe, Ni)-codoped ZnO photocatalyst was prepared by a solution method. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the catalyst was investigated by photodegradation of methyl orange. The effects of initial concentration of methyl orange, photocatalyst amount, and initial pH of methyl orange solution on the photocatalytic efficiency were discussed. The results showed that the (Fe, Ni) co-doping could decrease the crystallinity of ZnO and improve the grain growth of ZnO. The photodegradation experiments showed that (Fe, Ni) co-doping remarka-bly improved the photocatalytic activity of ZnO for methyl orange degradation. The degradation rate of methyl orange solution (10 mg/L) reached 93.5% over (Fe, Ni)-codoped ZnO (0.6 g/L) in 120 min under the irradiation of ultraviolet light.

Key words: iron, nickel, co-doping, zinc oxide, photocatalysis, methyl orange, degradation