Photocatalytic and bactericidal activities of hydrothermally synthesized nanocrystalline Cd-doped ZnO

Nanocrystalline Cd-doped ZnO has been obtained by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrum, high resolution scanning electron micrographs and UV–visible diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectra. Cd-doping by hydrothermal method decreases the grain size and destroys the microstructure. Although doping does not modify the band gap it suppresses the deep level emission, decreases the charge-transfer resistance and increases the capacitance. Cd-doping enhances the photocatalytic and bactericidal activities.

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► Hydrothermal doping of ZnO with Cd reduces grain size.
► Hydrothermal Cd-doping destroys ZnO microstructure.
► Cd-doping decreases the charge transfer resistance of ZnO.
► Doping ZnO with Cd enhances photocatalytic and bactericidal activities.