Synthesis and characterization of ZnO-GO composites with their piezoelectric catalytic and antibacterial properties

A simple ZnO-GO nanocomposite was prepared by hydrothermal method at room temperature, which could degrade MB, RhB and MO organic dye pollutants in the darkness with ultrasound-driven piezoelectric catalysis effect. The MB was completely degraded after 20 min with ultrasound vibration process. The various amount of nanocomposite was used to investigated the degradation effect. In addition, it was confirmed that the piezoelectric efficiency of ZnO-GO composite was better than pure ZnO. The oxidizing hydroxyl radical (•OH) and superoxide radicals (•O2-) are confirmed by the radical scavenger experiment in the piezocatalytic progress. The nanocomposites have excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli illustrated by the inhibition zones variation. The superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical increased by the rapid charge transfer between ZnO and GO in the synthesized system. The mechanism of the electronic transfer by the piezoelectric catalyzed process was also discussed.