Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of pear-shaped ZnO/Ag core–shell submicrospheres

Pear-shaped ZnO/Ag core–shell submicrospheres with good monodispersity were prepared via a seed-mediated particle growth procedure, where metal Ag (by reducing Ag+ with Sn2+) deposited on the as-prepared ZnO submicrospheres served as seeds (nucleation sites) for further growth of Ag nanoparticles. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible and photoluminescence spectra. Structure characterization demonstrates that the ZnO/Ag composites are composed of pear-shaped wurtzite ZnO submicrosphere core and Ag nanoparticles (nanoshell). Photoluminescence indicates that Ag nanoshell can effectively inhibit the recombination of the photoinduced electrons and holes of ZnO. This is responsible for the higher photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/Ag core–shell composites. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared ZnO/Ag samples for degradation of Rhodamine B was evaluated with a comparative study. The relationship between the structure of the samples and their photocatalytic performance shows that Ag deposits can significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO submicrospheres.

► Pear-shaped ZnO/Ag core–shell submicrospheres have been successfully synthesized.
► ZnO/Ag composites keep the same pear-shaped structure and monodispersity as ZnO.
► Ag NPs on ZnO act as electron sinks and enhance separation of carriers (e− andh+).
► ZnO/Ag exhibits better photocatalytic activity than bulk ZnO and prepared ZnO.