Template‐free synthesis of hierarchical zinc oxide with improved photocatalytic properties. Issue 10 (12th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, X. J.; Han, Y. J.; Song, Y.Q.; Chen, X.N.
• Is Part Of: Crystal research and technology. Volume 51:Issue 10(2016)
• Page Start: 586
• Page End: 594
• Publication Date: 2016-09-12
• Subjects: ZnO -- solvothermal, photocatalyst; Crystallography -- Periodicals; 548
• DOI: 10.1002/crat.201600156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0232-1300

Abstract

Abstract : Hierarchical flower‐like, spherical and bowl‐like ZnO was successfully synthesized by altering solvent ratio via a solvothermal method. The as‐synthesized hierarchical ZnO exhibits superior and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with previous many reports, hence, this kind of ZnO can be a promising candidate as highly efficient photocatalyst for degradation of organic contaminants for environmental remediation. Abstract : Novel hierarchical nano materials possess tremendous latent force in many applications. In this paper, hierarchical flower‐like, spherical and bowl‐like zinc oxide was successfully synthesized by altering solvent ratio (absolute ethanol and diethylene glycol) via a simple and template‐free solvothermal synthetic route. The solvent ratio also plays a vital role in deciding the structure, crystalline, band gap energy and specific surface area of the as‐synthesized samples. The preparation mechanism of ZnO in mixed alcohols was discussed. The obtained samples were characterized by energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption‐desorption, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Photocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared ZnO nanocrystals was evaluated by the degradation of MB under UV irradiation. Among, the most effective photocatalyst was synthesized when the diethylene glycol was 10 ml.