Enhanced photocurrent and photocatalytic properties of porous ZnO thin film by Ag nanoparticles

ZnO thin films were deposited using an electrodeposition method and porous morphologies could be achieved by annealing treatment. A variety of Ag nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of the ZnO thin films. Surface morphology, chemical composition, crystal phase and optical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectrophotometer and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Evidence of Ag nanoparticles on the Ag-4/ZnO thin film was be verified by the SEM and XPS measurements. The XRD results indicated that the Ag nanoparticles had little effect on crystallinity of the thin films. The photoresponse and photocatalytic results indicated that the photocurrent and photocatalytic performance could be enhanced by moderate Ag nanoparticles modification on the surface of the ZnO thin film. The best photoresponse and photocatalytic activity in Ag-4/ZnO thin film results from the moderate Ag nanoparticles on the surface of ZnO thin film, which could enhanced separation and suppressed recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.