Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO–rGO Nanocomposite: Synthesis and Characterization

Synthesis of ZnO–rGO nanocomposite via facile solvothermal route is reported. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), absorption spectra and Fourier transform infra-red spectra (FTIR) were used to characterize ZnO–rGO nanocomposite. SEM image indicates that ZnO nanospheres are well decorated on the surface of rGO sheets. An enhancement of photocatalytic activity of ZnO–rGO nanocomposite is observed. The enhancement of photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) is explained on the basis of interaction between ZnO nanospheres and rGO sheets and charge carrier separation. Addition of rGO into ZnO matrix reduces electron-hole recombination through transfer of electron from ZnO to rGO, leading to the enhancement in photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI).