ZnO Tetrapods for Potential Photocatalytic Dye Degradation

Abstract

In this study, a facile method was used to prepare ZnO tetrapods for potential dye degradation applications. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV-Vis spectroscopy were employed to investigate the morphology, chemical composition, and photocatalytic properties of prepared ZnO tetrapods. A Rhodamine B (RB) dye was used as a model dye to study the photocatalytic activity of the prepared sample. It was shown that RB dye can be efficiently degraded in the presence of ZnO tetrapods under continuous UV-light illumination. Thus, prepared ZnO tetrapods with excellent photocatalytic properties can be potentially used in wastewater treatment.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnO structures for effective degradation of methylene blue dye under solar light illumination

“…Although many of these techniques have not been extensively employed on a large scale, the microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnO may gain widespread popularity due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. 17,24 In general, microwave-assisted reduction methods provide homogeneous volumetric heating and significantly accelerate reaction rates compared to other physical and chemical techniques. 17,24 The objective of this work is to employ microwave-assisted one-step approach to create various ZnO structures by changing the molar concentration of Zn precursor.…”

“…17,24 In general, microwave-assisted reduction methods provide homogeneous volumetric heating and significantly accelerate reaction rates compared to other physical and chemical techniques. 17,24 The objective of this work is to employ microwave-assisted one-step approach to create various ZnO structures by changing the molar concentration of Zn precursor. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies exploring the different ZnO morphologies caused by precursor concentration using microwave-assisted preparation.…”

“…15 It has high photosensitivity and conductivity, making it appealing for applications in transparent electronics, piezoelectric devices, catalytic reactions, and notably, biomedical fields. 15,16 Zinc oxide stands out as a distinctive n-type semiconductor; although, the quick recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, as well as its wide bandgap of 3.3 eV 17 , hinder its extensive application as a photocatalyst. To date, extensive research has been conducted on various methodologies for the synthesis of various ZnO structures, including microwave-solvothermal, 18 hydrothermal, 19 precipitation, 20 biogenic, 21 sol–gel, 22 and electrodeposition 23 methods.…”

“…17,24 In general, microwave-assisted reduction methods provide homogeneous volumetric heating and significantly accelerate reaction rates compared to other physical and chemical techniques. 17,24…”

Hybridisation of ZnO with Ti 3 C 2 as a co‐catalyst for enhanced photocatalytic activity

“…Semiconductor‐mediated photocatalysis is one of the most effective treatments because it can lead to the complete degradation of organic dyes to innocuous products [4, 5]. Among many semiconductors, ZnO is a promising photocatalytic material due to its high photosensitivity, stability, adjustable morphology, and low cost [6–8]. However, the disadvantage of easy recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs results in the low optical quantum efficiency of ZnO.…”