Synthesis and optical properties of Au/ZnO core–shell nanorods and their photocatalytic activities

Gold nanoparticles with ZnO (sphere and rod) core–shell have been prepared from HAuCl4 containing aqueous solution using pot chemical and hydrothermal method. The nanoparticles were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The effects of the concentration of zinc acetate, reaction temperature, and growth solution of zinc oxide were investigated. It was found that they strongly effect on the formation of the core–shell nanoparticles and optical properties of it. The high absorption peak in the visible region and more absorption intensity in UV region of Au/ZnO core–shell nanoparticles candidate it for photocatalytic applications.