Abstract
ZnO/Zn composites photocatalysts were prepared by hydrothermal method using Zn powder as raw material, and the morphology, structure, and photocatalytic performance of composites were investigated. The results showed that the ZnO nanoparticles were produced at the surface of Zn metal powder during hydrothermal process. The thickness of ZnO outer layer (internal metal-semiconductor interfaces) can be controlled by varying hydrothermal treatment time. The resulting ZnO/Zn composites exhibit significantly higher photocatalytic activity than that of pure ZnO for degradation of anthraquinone dye (reactive brilliant blue KN-R) aqueous solution under ultraviolet light irradiation. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance of ZnO/Zn composites can be attributed to the formation of internal metal-semiconductor interfaces. The designed fabrication procedure is simple, feasible, and universal for a series of oxide/metal with controlled microstructure and improved performances.
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