Graphene oxide modified ZnO nanorods hybrid with high reusable photocatalytic activity under UV-LED irradiation

In this work, graphene oxide/zinc oxide (GO/ZnO) hybrid was prepared through a facile hydrothermal process. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectra and N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms were used to investigate the morphology, crystal structure, optical properties and specific surface area of GO/ZnO hybrid. It was shown that the well-dispersed ZnO nanorods were deposited on GO homogeneously. Photocatalytic properties of GO/ZnO nanorods hybrid were evaluated under 375 nm light-emitting diode light irradiation for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). The synergic effect between GO and ZnO was found to lead to an improved photo-generated carrier separation. An optimal GO content has been determined to be 3 wt%, and corresponding the apparent pseudo-first-order rate constant kapp is 0.0248 min−1, 4.3 times and 2.5 times more than that of pure ZnO nanorods and commercial P25 photocatalyst, respectively. Moreover, the cyclic photocatalytic test indicated that GO/ZnO hybrid can be reused for degradation of MB, suggesting the possible application of GO/ZnO hybrid as excellent candidate for water treatment.