Photocatalytic and bactericidal activities of hydrothermally synthesized nanocrystalline Cd-doped ZnO

Nanocrystalline Cd-doped ZnO has been obtained by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrum, high resolution scanning electron micrographs and UV–visible diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectra. Cd-doping by hydrothermal method decreases the grain size and destroys the microstructure. Although doping does not modify the band gap it suppresses the deep level emission, decreases the charge-transfer resistance and increases the capacitance. Cd-doping enhances the photocatalytic and bactericidal activities.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hydrothermal doping of ZnO with Cd reduces grain size. ► Hydrothermal Cd-doping destroys ZnO microstructure. ► Cd-doping decreases the charge transfer resistance of ZnO. ► Doping ZnO with Cd enhances photocatalytic and bactericidal activities.