An effective approach for hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorod arrays activated under UV/Vis light: Different supporting ligands for hydrothermal precursor solutions

In this study, an effective approach is proposed for the controlled production of ZnO nanorod arrays that can be used in degradation of wastewater pollutants. Hydrothermal precursor solutions prepared using HMTA-different supporting ligands having different lengths and ends, which have not been tried before, allowed to control the type, size, and alignment of ZnO nanorods. Their physical properties were investigated by using X-ray diffraction patterns, Raman, FTIR and photoluminescence spectroscopies, UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, atomic force micro-scopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Photoactivity tests were performed using methylene blue under UV/visible light and the reusability of ZnO nanorod arrays with the best properties was checked. The approach of using different supporting ligands led to different effects on the physical and photocatalytic properties. ZnO nanorod arrays gained the ZnO films, which became photoactive with UV light, the ability to benefit from visible light as well. Especially ZnO-HMTA-HMDA nanorod arrays will shed light on researchers as an effective strategy for the development of new functional nanomaterials having high photodegradation efficiency and fast kinetic.

Automated summary

In this study, a method for controlled production of ZnO nanorod arrays for wastewater pollutant degradation is proposed. Different supporting ligands with varying lengths and ends were used to prepare hydrothermal precursor solutions, allowing for control over the type, size, and alignment of ZnO nanorods. The physical and photocatalytic properties of the arrays were investigated, and it was found that the use of different ligands had varying effects on these properties. Especially, ZnO-HMTA-HMDA nanorod arrays showed high photodegradation efficiency and fast kinetic, indicating their potential as new functional nanomaterials.