Synthesis and characterization of one-dimensional flat ZnO nanotower arrays as high-efficiency adsorbents for the photocatalytic remediation of water pollutants.
We report on facile fabrication of 1-D flat ZnO nanotower arrays on various substrates, including a metal, a semiconductor and an insulator. The nanotowers have a unique flat basal section near the substrate and taper in stages to wire-like at the tip. Electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to characterize these new nanostructures, revealing that their morphologies are significantly influenced by reaction temperature. A qualitative formation mechanism is proposed based on the experimental observations. A proof-of-concept demonstration shows that the ZnO nanotower arrays are highly effective at adsorbing and subsequently photo-remediating a model pollutant (Eosin B) from water. These observations could promote new applications of photocatalytic adsorbents for wastewater treatment utilizing oxide semiconductor nanostructures.
Deng
Da
D
Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Martin
Scot T
ST
Ramanathan
Shriram
S
D000327:Adsorption; D002384:Catalysis; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation; D010697:Eosine I Bluish; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000737:chemistry; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013696:Temperature; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*
D005452:Fluoresceins; D014873:Water Pollutants; D010697:Eosine I Bluish; D015034:Zinc Oxide