ZnO/CdO composite nanorods for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light

Nanorods of ZnO and ZnO/CdO were synthesized by thermal decomposition of their respective acetate without any catalyst at 350 °C. It is a simple and low cost method to prepare ZnO and ZnO/CdO nanorods. The decomposition temperature of acetate and the formation of oxides were determined by thermogravimetric analysis before the synthesis process. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/CdO was tested by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous medium under visible light and the efficiency of the catalyst has been discussed in detail. The method is simple, fast and cost effective when compared to other methods.

Research highlights▶ Nanocomposite materials. ▶ Visible light active photocatalyst. ▶ Complete degradation of methylene blue is achieved in 6 h. ▶ The preparation method is simple and cost effective.