Three-dimensional free-standing ZnO/graphene composite foam for photocurrent generation and photocatalytic activity

• A three-dimensional free-standing graphene composite foam is developed.
• The ZnO/graphene composite foam enhances the light harvesting and electrons transport.
• This composite foam demonstrates excellent degradation performance.
• This methods will open a great route for future applications of solar energy conversion and environmental pollutant management.

A convenient, nontoxic and efficient way is developed for the fabrication of three-dimensional free-standing graphene foam modified with ZnO nanorods arrays. The resulting composite foam (ZnO/rGO foam) has a hierarchical micro-nano structure. The conductive macroporous structure will enhance the light harvesting, the photoinduced electron-hole separation and electrons transport. Moreover, the ZnO nanorods on the graphene surface will act as the active material which show the dramatic improvement in photocurrent generation and photocatalytic activity. This simple and scalable manufacturing technology will open a reasonable design and engineering route for the high-performance photoelectric conversion apparatus and environmental pollutant management.

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