Preparation of controlled lotus like structured ZnO decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites to obtain enhanced photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Lotus-like ZnO morphology with reduced graphene oxide was synthesized by sol-gel method using ammonia solution as a reducing agent. It was observed that ammonia solution, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and working temperature influenced the assembly of inverted and non-inverted lotus like ZnO morphologies with variable sizes in the micrometer range. This type of morphology was successfully developed in the nanosized range and appeared on the surfaces of rGO sheets as well as between their interlayer's. These arrangements influence in enhancing optical and photocatalytic properties. The prepared composites in the above manner also showed better photocatalytic activities for the removal of phenol compound under sunlight irradiation and resulted in maximum degradation efficiency of around 86% in 20 min. © 2019