Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ZnO

Abstract

The effect of synthesis temperature on the morphology of fine zinc oxide powders prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal processing of Zn(OH)2 suspensions has been studied using x-ray diffraction and low-temperature nitrogen BET measurements. The photocatalytic activity of the powders for Methyl Orange photodegradation has been assessed as a function of synthesis temperature. The results indicate that the specific surface of ZnO powders plays a key role in determining their photocatalytic activity.