(001)-Faceted hexagonal ZnO nanoplate thin film synthesis and the heterogeneous catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol characterization

•Novel approach for ZnO nanoplates synthesis directly on substrate.•The nanoplates structure can be adjusted by modifying the reaction condition.•ZnO nanoplates show a photocatalytic properties-structure dependency.

Efficient approach to synthesize (001)-faceted ZnO nanoplates thin film on an ITO substrate is reported via a conventional hydrothermal method. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the surface structure and chemistry of the ZnO nanoplate thin film are strongly influenced by the ratio between the Zinc presursor and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) concentrations in the reaction. The catalytic properties of the (001) faceted hexagonal ZnO nanoplate was examined in the conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in the absence of reducing agent under ultrasonication at room-temperature. In typical process, it was found that the conversion rate as high as 4.483 × 10−2 mol min−1 can be obtained from this system. Highly-reactive (001) faceted nanoplate with high oxygen vacancy is assumed as the driving force for such efficiency catalytic properties. The synthetic procedure and characterization of ZnO nanoplates will be discussed in detail.

Graphical abstractA simple method to grow high-density ZnO nanoplates directly on substrate surface is demonstrated. By controlling the reaction condition, such as precursor concentration, etc., ZnO nanoplates with different size and surface structure can be obtained.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide