Chapter 8 - Modification of ZnO-based photocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Abstract Photocatalysis is a promising technology to solve the environmental problems caused by organic pollutants, which have become a serious threat to the ecosystems and human health. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely used in the photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants, but pure ZnO only works under UV light irradiation and is susceptible to photocorrosion. To improve the photocatalytic activity and stability of ZnO materials, various methods have been developed to enhance the visible light response, accelerate photogenerated charge separation, and promote adsorption of organic pollutants. In this chapter, we briefly summarize the main methods for modification of ZnO materials, including the doping with metal and nonmetal atoms, deposition of noble metals, construction of heterojunctions, and coupling with carbon materials, with examples provided to illustrate the photocatalytic mechanism and enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability of modified ZnO-based photocatalysts.