The photocatalytic activity of ZnO prepared by simple thermal decomposition method at various temperatures

Nanorods of pure ZnO were synthesized by simple thermal decomposition method. The ZnO is prepared by direct calcination of zinc acetate dihydrate. The hexagonal structure of ZnO is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The nanorods shape and size have been identified through SEM and TEM analyses. The surface component and the oxidation states of ZnO sample were investigated using XPS. The calculated bandgap values of ZnO suggest that the photocatalytic activity may be good under UV light irradiation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.