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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The role of counter-ions in crystal morphology, surface structure and photocatalytic activity of ZnO crystals grown onto a substrate

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Author(s):
Catto, Ariadne C. [1, 2] ; Ferrer, Mateus M. [3] ; Lopes, Osmando F. [4, 5] ; Mastelaro, Valmor R. [6] ; Andres, Juan [7] ; da Silva, Luis F. [1] ; Longo, Elson [2] ; Avansi Jr, Waldir
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Lab Nanostruct Multifunct Mat, Rodovia Washington Luiz, Km 235, BR-13565090 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, CDMF, Rodovia Washington Luiz, Km 235, BR-13565090 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Pelotas, Ctr Technol Dev, Grad Program Mat Sci & Engn, BR-96010610 Pelotas, RS - Brazil
[4] Forschungszentrum Julich, Inst Energy & Climate Res IEK Electrochem Proc En, D-52425 Julich - Germany
[5] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Chem, Lab Photochem & Mat Sci, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Phys Sao Carlos, Ave Trabalhador Sao Carlos, BR-13566590 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[7] Univ Jaume 1, Dept Quim Fis & Anal, E-12080 Castellon de La Plana - Spain
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: Applied Surface Science; v. 529, NOV 1 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

In this contribution, we present an experimental and theoretical investigation of the role of counter-ions in the crystal morphology, surface structure, and photocatalytic activity of hierarchical ZnO nanostructures. The effect of zinc precursor (nitrate, acetate and, sulfate) along the synthesis of ZnO nanostructures grown directly onto a substrate by means of a simple hydrothermal method was analyzed in detail. Scanning electron microscopy images showed a preferential growth of ZnO nanostructures along the c-axis, with a slight reduction in the orientation depending on the choice of the Zn source. Theoretical calculations based on the Wulff theory allowed us to better understand the morphological changes and directly relate the photocatalytic performance at the different exposed surfaces of the as-observed crystal shapes. Our results showed that photocatalytic activities in the discoloration of organic dyes became superior for hierarchical ZnO nanostructures obtained from zinc nitrate. This finding was explained by X-ray photoelectron and photoluminescence spectroscopies, which revealed that in addition to, the attached counter-ions and the abundance of carboxylate groups and organic residuals on ZnO surfaces, the presence of surface defects are determinant to enhance the photocatalytic performance of the material. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 18/18208-0 - a-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 Heterostructures: Preparation, Characterization and Gas-sensing Properties
Grantee:Ariadne Cristina Catto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 17/12437-5 - Preparation and characterization of semiconductor nanoheterojunctions applied in photoactived gas sensors
Grantee:Luís Fernando da Silva
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/13888-0 - Synthesis of BiVO4/bismuth oxides nano-heterostructures and evaluation of photocatalytic properties
Grantee:Osmando Ferreira Lopes
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
Grantee:Elson Longo da Silva
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
FAPESP's process: 12/15170-6 - Synthesis and characterization of ZnO thin and thick films : application as gas sensors
Grantee:Ariadne Cristina Catto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate