ZnO on Thiolated Graphene Oxide as Efficient Photocatalyst for Degradation of Methylene Blue

Abstract

We present here an efficient and simple method for preparation of highly active heterogeneous ZnO photocatalyst (graphene oxide-zinc oxide: GO-ZnO), specifically by deposition of ZnO nanoparticles onto thiolated GOs. The resultant GO-ZnO sample was characterized by TEM, XRD, Auger, XPS, and Raman measurements, revealing that the size-similar and quasi-spherical ZnO nanoparticles were anchored to the thiolated GO surfaces. The average particle diameter was about 2.5 nm. In the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) light, GO-ZnO exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic efficiency compared with thiolated GO and pure ZnO particles. This strong photocatalytic performance of GO-ZnO can be attributed to the suppression of electron recombination and the enhancement of mass transportation. The results showed that thiolated GO is the preferable supporting material.

Preparation of Carbon‐Nanotube‐supported TiO2 for Enhanced Dye‐degrading Photocatalytic Activity

“…To overcome these problems, both noncovalent and covalent methods of CNT‐surface activation have been developed . We previously reported simple methods for the modification of the photocatalytic surface that entail deposition of metal oxides (ZnO and TiO 2 ) onto thiolated graphene oxide . The prepared catalysts exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic efficiency relative to the metal oxide alone and/or mechanical mixture.…”

Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties of Carbon Nanotube‐supported ZnO Nanoparticles

“…The ZnO sol was prepared by the hydrolysis of zinc acetate dihydrate [Zn(CH 3 COO) 2 · 2H 2 O], and then, thiolated CNTs were dispersed into this sol under vigorous stirring . The CNT–ZnO was separated by centrifugation, washed with absolute ethanol, and vacuum dried at 60°C for 4 h. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were observed by an FEI Tecnai‐F20 instrument.…”