Brief Review of Photocatalysis and Photoresponse Properties of ZnO–Graphene Nanocomposites

Abstract

As a typical wide bandgap semiconductor, ZnO has received a great deal of attention from researchers because of its strong physicochemical characteristics. During the past few years, great progress has been made in the optoelectronic applications of ZnO, particularly in the photocatalysis and photodetection fields. To enable further improvements in the material’s optoelectronic performance, construction of a variety of ZnO-based composite structures will be essential. In this paper, we review recent progress in the growth of different ZnO–graphene nanocomposite structures. The related band structures and photocatalysis and photoresponse properties of these nanocomposites are discussed. Additionally, specific examples of the materials are included to provide an insight into the common general physical properties and carrier transport characteristics involved in these unique nanocomposite structures. Finally, further directions for the development of ZnO–graphene nanocomposite materials are forecasted.

A Study on Doping and Compound of Zinc Oxide Photocatalysts

“…Since the discovery of graphene in 2004, the two-dimensional honeycomb-like lattice structure of graphene, which consists of a single layer of carbon atoms packed tightly together, had been characterized by its excellent electrical, thermal and mechanical properties, by the majority of scientific research workers of great concern [ 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. Materials such as zinc oxide are considered to be an excellent material for pollutant degradation because of good carrier properties and high electron mobility.…”

Heterogeneous Structures Consisting of Rod‐like ZnO Interspersed with Ce2S3 Nanoparticles for Photo‐Sensitive Supercapacitors with Enhanced Capacitive Performance

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Among them, ZnO has garnered considerable attention because of its diverse morphological structure, excellent thermal stability (∼1800 °C), substantial binding energy (∼60 meV), and high electron mobility (115-155 cm 2 V −1 s −1 ). [19,20] In a previously reported study, Zhang et al used two-step thermal evaporation to prepare ZnO/ZnS nanostructure materials which achieved the highest specific capacitance of 217 mF cm −2 under 1 mA cm −2 . [21] Chen et al fabricated ZnO with a three-dimensional transition metal hydroxide network structure that exhibited a preferable specific capacitance of 667.3 mF cm −2 .…”

In-Situ Growth of ZnO Whiskers on Ti2ZnC MAX Phases

“…ZnO is a functional semiconductor with a wide band gap (3.37 eV) and a considerable exciton binding energy (60 meV) at room temperature [ 1 , 2 ], which can be used in sensors [ 3 , 4 ] and photocatalysis [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. In addition, because of its nontoxicity and biocompatibility, ZnO can also be used in medical fields [ 10 ].…”

“…In 2006, Wang et al [ 11 ] successfully used the tip of a conductive atomic force microscope probe to bend ZnO whiskers, perfectly converting this part of mechanical energy into electrical energy, and invented nanogenerators, which opened a door for the study of ZnO materials. ZnO whiskers have also been widely studied as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants in water treatment [ 5 , 6 ] by which organic pollutants are decomposed into small molecules and less-harmful products such as CO 2 and H 2 O [ 12 ]. The preparation of ZnO is the foundation for all of its applications and may affect its application effect.…”