Zn (II) complex was synthesized by using Schiff base terephthalaldehyde-o-phenylenediamine as Schiff base ligand and characterized by FTIR spectroscopic methods. N-ZnO (nitrogen-rich zinc oxide) nanoparticles were prepared by calcination of Schiff base zinc complex at 500 °C. The average grain size and structural parameters were analyzed using X-ray diffraction studies. The X-ray diffraction analysis of the sample showed the formation of nanoparticles with hexagonal ZnO structure. Size of the particles and presence of doped nitrogen in the zinc oxide nanostructures were examined by HR-SEM-EDX. Furthermore, the optical properties like band gap, absorbance measurement of zinc oxide were extensively examined. The surface area and pore size of ZnO were characterized. In addition, a clear relationship between the porous nature and photocatalytic characteristics of N-rich ZnO was observed. The photocatalytic degradation property of N-rich ZnO nanoparticles were examined with methylene blue under the visible light irradiation. Overall, N-rich ZnO nanoparticles exhibited superior photocatalytic behavior compared to commercial available ZnO nanoparticles.
