Reduced graphene oxide modified zinc oxide composites synergistic photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Semiconductor photocatalytic technology is widely regarded as a potential solution to global energy shortages and defense against environmental degradation. Here we demonstrate zinc oxide (ZnO) nanosheets (NSs)-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The as-obtained ZnO/rGO-x (x = 2-12 wt %) samples with different rGO contents are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infra-red (IR) spectroscopy, the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), diffuse spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and their photocatalytic are also evaluated. In the photocatalytic process, graphene modified zinc oxide can achieve interface enhancement, reduce the fast recombination efficiency of electronhole pairs, and enhance its absorption in the visible area. The content of GO shows an obvious effect on their photocatalytic properties, ZnO/rGO-8 sample can completely degrade methylene blue within 80 min under the same conditions. The excellent photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposites are due to the synergy between ZnO and rGO.