Synthesis of graphene-ZnO nanocomposites by a one-step electrochemical deposition for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant

In this study, the ZnO/graphene composite was synthesized by a one-step electrochemical deposition (ECD) approach using cyclic voltampemmetry and chronoamperometry. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction observations revealed that ZnO nanorods of wurtzite structure and rGO nanosheets were successfully associated in the composite film. Integration of 3D graphene in ZnO nanorods leads to a high performance in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. The results indicate that the ZnO/graphene achieves a higher degradation efficiency under light irradiation than that of the pure ZnO nanorods. The composite prepared using cyclic voltampemmetry exhibits an exceptionally higher photocatalytic activity than that prepared with chmnoamperometry method. Thus, this report highlighted the multi-faceted role of graphene in the enhancement of ZnO photo-conversion efficiency.