Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nano-flower containing TiO_2 NPs

摘要

In this study, TiO_2-impregnated ZnO nano-flowers were synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal process. Aqueous suspension containing ZnOprecursor and commercial TiO_2 NPs (P25) is heated at 140 °C for 2 h. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized particles were characterizedby field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), whichrevealed that TiO_2 NPs were attached on the surface of ZnO flower. It was observed that the presence of TiO_2 NPs in the hydrothermal solutioncould sufficiently decrease the size of ZnO flower. The hybrid nanostructure, with unique morphology, obtained from this convenient method (lowtemperature, less time, and less number of reagents) was found to be effective photocatalyst under UV-irradiation.