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.
Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Da
D
Deng
Scot T
ST
Martin
Shriram
S
Ramanathan
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