Glucose-assisted generation of assembled mesoporous ZnO sheets with highly efficient photocatalytic performance

Assembled mesoporous ZnO sheets that consist of ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a precursor based route. The microstructure of the as-obtained sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. The optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer and the photoluminescence spectroscopy. Photocatalytic tests indicated that the sample exhibited highly efficient photodegradation of organic dye under UV light irradiation. The degradation efficiencies of Methyl Orange (MO) reached 98% after irradiation for 30 min, which is comparable to that of P25 TiO2. Furthermore, the sample could be easily separated from the reaction system by sedimentation or filtration. The recycling tests showed no obvious decrease in the activity of our sample, from 100% for the first recycled photodegradation to 95% for the fifth recycle. This confirmed the sample a good reusability. As the mesoporous sheet structure could be easily composite with other materials, this study could provide a promising platform for the fabrication of ZnO-based devices.