Electrodeposition Synthesis of Au-ZnO Hybrid Nanowires and Their Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract

Au-ZnO hybrid nanowires have been successfully synthesized with assistance of AAO tempalte through a simple electrodeposition process. The samples were characterized by means of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic properties of the prepared Au-ZnO hybrid nanowires and individual ZnO nanowires were studied, and the Au-ZnO hybrid nanowires showed higher photocatalytic activity. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to the synergetic effect and unique charge-transfer kinetics in the as-prepared Au-ZnO hybrid nanowires.