Enhanced photocatalytic activity of sea-urchin-like carbon/ZnO micro/nano heterostructures

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Large scale sea-urchin-like carbon/ZnO heterostructures were successfully synthesized using a novel low temperature hydrothermal method, in which glucose and zinc acetate were employed as carbon and ZnO sources, respectively. ZnO nanowires with an average diameter of 40–50 nm were grown on the surface of carbon microspheres forming carbon/ZnO hybrid nano/micro heterostructures. Owing to the large surface area, superior conductivity, and strong light absorption in the ultraviolet region, the hybrid nano/micro heterostructures showed excellent photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of methylene orange under ultraviolet light irradiation.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The novel low temperature hydrothermal method to synthesize sea-urchin-like carbon/ZnO heterostructures is demonstrated. </LI> <LI> Carbon/ZnO hybrid nano/micro heterostructures catalysts efficiently degrade methylene orange. </LI> <LI> The effects of heat treatment on morphologies and photocatalytic activity of the heterostructures have been investigated. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>