Synthesis of Heterostructure Au/ZnO Nanocomposites by Sonochemical-Assisted Deposition Method and Their Photodegradation for Methylene Blue

Abstract

Abstract—: Heterostructure 0–10% Au/ZnO samples as UV visible-light-driven photocatalyst were successfully synthesized by sonochemical-deposition method. The 10% heterostructure Au/ZnO nanocomposites show cubic metallic Au nanoparticles with size of 20–50 nm supported on the surface of pure ZnO microparticles. Photocatalytic activities of the heterostructure Au/ZnO nanocomposites were studied through photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under UV visible light irradiation. The 10% Au/ZnO nanocomposites show the highest photodegradation of MB aqueous solution under UV visible light irradiation with very high stability.