Orientable pore-size-distribution of ZnO nanostructures and their superior photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Rod-like ZnO micro-nanostructures have been synthesized by a solvothermal-assisted heat treatment method. The micro-nanostructures consist of polycrystalline nanoparticles with a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The diameter and length of the nanorods are about 90–150 nm and 0.6–3 μm, respectively. Nitrogen sorption isotherm analysis reveals a bi-pore-size-distribution feature of ZnO micro-nanostructures and the origin of this peculiar pore-size distribution may be ascribed to the polar feature of ZnO crystals. Importantly, these micro-nanostructures have superior photocatalytic activity and high durability in the degradation of organic dyes.