Influence of oxygen-containing groups on the photocatalytic properties of ZnO/graphene oxide composite

Graphene oxide nanosheets synthesized by using the chemical exfoliation method were hybridized with ZnO nanoparticles to fabricate ZnO/graphene oxide (GO) composite. A series of ZnO/GO composite with different C/O ratios were then obtained through gradual UV light reduction process. Roles of these oxygen-containing groups in the GO-based ZnO/GO composite photocatalyst were investigated through degradation of Rhodamine B. The underlining mechanism was discussed at the end based on the characterization results.