3D graphene/ZnO composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity

In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) graphene/ZnO nanorod (G/ZnO) compositewas synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and simple hydrothermalmethod. Integration of 3D graphene and ZnO nanorods leads to a high performance in photocatalytic degradation toward methyl orange (MO). The results indicate that the 3D G/ZnO composite achieves a higher degradation efficiency under UV light than pure ZnO nanorods. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity can be attributed to effective separation of photo-generated electrons and holes at the interface of graphene and ZnO. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.