Abstract

Improving the response of ZnO photocatalyst to visible light is a hot topic. In this work, the porous ZnO thin films were first prepared by sol-gel method, and then CuO nanoparticles were deposited on the porous ZnO thin films to form CuO-ZnO heterojunction; the effect of CuO content on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO thin films were investigated. The results show that the formation of CuO-ZnO heterojunction effectively separates the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, leading to significant decrease of ZnO ultraviolet emission. In addition, the ZnO thin films with CuO nanoparticles modified on the surface increase the absorptive capacity in the visible range. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue shows that the photocatalytic activity of all CuO/ZnO thin films is greatly improved. The improvement of photocatalytic performance should be attributed to the enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs by the CuO-ZnO heterojunction and the increased light absorption in the visible range by CuO nanoparticles. This kind of CuO/ZnO thin films also shows good photocatalytic reusability.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.