Facile template-free fabrication of mesoporous ZnCo2O4 fibers with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation

Well-dispersed mesoporous ZnCo2O4 fibers as photocatalyst was synthesized by easy-controlled facile template-free and large-scale synthesis method. The morphology, crystal structure and surface area of the as-prepared ZnCo2O4 were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. The resultant ZnCo2O4 showed typical intertwined porous structures with specific surface area of 141 m2/g, average pore size of 8.7 nm and strong absorption to visible-light wavelength. As-prepared ZnCo2O4 possessed excellent photocatalytic activity for malachite green compared with Degussa commercial P25 photocatalyst. The degradation efficiency of malachite green reached up to 96.8% after irradiation for 180 min.