15 - Photocatalysis by zinc oxide-based nanomaterials

Abstract

The engineering of the ZnO nanomaterials to alter the physical and optical characteristics for the enhancement of their photocatalytic properties is a keen area of interest for the scientific community. The global applications of ZnO-based materials are eclipsed by the large bandgap and short life span of charge carriers. In this chapter, we have focused on the various techniques to modify the characteristics of ZnO and recent advancements in the synthetic strategy to develop highly efficient materials. The alteration in the properties of ZnO can be done by the introduction of foreign elements in three ways, that is, metal doping, nonmetal doping, and formation of coupled materials with other semiconductor materials. The surface properties can be engineered by the various synthesis methods and addition of surfactant during the synthesis. The hydrothermal approach is the best approach to design the materials having the desired morphology and surface characteristics. The introduction of foreign elements not only shifts the absorption but also increases the life span of the photoproduced charged species. This chapter is highly beneficial for the designing and development of the ZnO-based materials possessing the desired characteristics for the photocatalytic applications.