Synthesis of hierarchical flower-like ZnO nanostructures and their functionalization by Au nanoparticles for improved photocatalytic and high performance Li-ion battery anodes

Abstract

In this article, hierarchical flower-like ZnO nanostructures with controlled morphology and dimensions have been synthesized by solution phase approach and functionalized by Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with the combination of electrodeposition to explore novel applications. The photocatalytic activity and lithium storage capacity of these hybrid nanostructures have been investigated. It has been found that hybrid nanostructure combining the large specific surface area, stability and catalytic activity of small AuNPs, demonstrate the higher photocatalytic activity than that of pure ZnO. Furthermore, an initial discharge capacity of 1280 mA h g À1 and a reversible capacity over 392 mA h g À1 at the 50 cycles are achieved for the Au-ZnO hybrid nanostructure, which is found to be much better than that of any previously reported ZnO anodes. The improved lithium storage capacity and cycle life of the Au-ZnO electrode result from the Li activity of Au-ZnO phase. The photocatalytic and electrochemical activity of Au-ZnO hybrid nanostructures provide a new platform for energy storage, environmental remediation and photocatalysis applications.

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“…In this study, micro wave method was used because of faster and economical synthesis. The data obtained are in good agreement with other investigation results for ZnO NPs (Khan et al, 2016;Wu, Wu, & Lü , 2005;Ni et al, 2008;Bhat, 2008;Thambidurai, Muthukumarasamy, Velauthapillai, & Lee, 2013;Ahmad et al, 2011).…”

Highly Reliable Label-Free Detection of Urea/Glucose and Sensing Mechanism Using SiO2and CdSe-ZnS Nanoparticles in Electrolyte-Insulator-Semiconductor Structure

“…Ahmad et al 36 have reported the similar binding energy peak at 83.72 eV for Au nanoparticles. Detection of pH and H 2 O 2 by using SiO 2 and nanoparticles sensing membranes is explained below.…”

Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde Catalyzed by ZnO-Fe2O3 Mixed Oxide Supported Gold Nanocatalysts

“…Additional characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was carried out on selected nanocatalysts of Au/ZnO, Au/Zn0.7Fe0.3Ox, Au/Zn0.5Fe0.5Ox, and Au/Fe2O3. The Au 4f region of samples in Figure 5 and Table 3 displayed the valuable information at the binding energy of 83.19-83.47 eV, indicating a negative shift of 0.53-0.81eV relative to 84.0 eV of bulk Au [32,33]. This result might cause by electron transfer from the support to Au due to the strong electronic interaction between Au nanoparticles and support [34,35].…”