Synthesis of ZnO films in different solvents and their photocatalytic activities

Abstract

ZnO thin films have been successfully synthesized via the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method without using any catalysts or templates. The effects of solvents (such as water, ethanol and n‐propanol) on structure and morphology of ZnO thin films have been studied. XRD analysis showed that all ZnO thin films with wurtzite crystal structure were obtained via various solvents. SEM images showed that ZnO thin films prepared in different solvents have different sizes and morphologies. TEM images showed that crystalline ZnO samples prepared in different solvents have different growth habits. Photoluminescence and photocatalysis properties have been investigated at room temperature. ZnO thin films prepared in water showed superior photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) compared to other samples.