Hierarchical ZnO “rod like” architecture synthesized via reverse micellar route for improved photocatalytic activity

•We have developed a facile strategy to synthesize ZnO “rod like” architecture.•ZnO nanoparticles are self-assembled into rod architecture with controlled heating.•Interestingly, this architecture showed high photocatalytic activity than bulk ZnO.•More importantly, the reusability studies of this architecture were most economical.

Hierarchical ZnO “rod like” architecture was successfully synthesized via reverse micellar route and characterized by various techniques. The FESEM studies show controlled decomposition of zinc oxalate into ZnO “rod like” architecture at 500 °C with slow heat rate at 1°/min. Interestingly, improved photocatalytic activity was observed for the degradation of Rhodamine B, due to the self assembly of hexagonal nanoparticles of zinc oxide forming hierarchical ZnO “rod like” architecture which can greatly enhance the light utilization rate due to its special architecture and enlarge the specific surface area, providing more reaction sites and promoting mass transfer. More importantly, the reusability studies of this architecture were most economical.