Effect of leavening agent on structural and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanorods

In the present work, we have demonstrated a simple, facile, one-step, rapid and cost effective synthesis of ZnO nanorods through the thermal decomposition of zinc acetate and leavening agent (NaHCO₃). The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deposited on the surface of ZnO nanorods by photocatalytic reduction of Ag (I) to Ag(0). As synthesized ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by using X-ray Diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposites were evaluated for the photodegradation of Methyl Orange (MO) under UV and sunlight irradiation. The use of common leavening agent helps to prevent the aggregation of ZnO nanorods, further it hinders crystallite growth and narrowing the diameter of nanorods by the evolution of carbon dioxide during calcination. The ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity and separation of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. Due to effect of leavening agent and AgNPs deposited on surface of ZnO nanorods finds best catalyst for the 99% degradation of MO within 30 min compared to ZnO.