Synthesis of fireworks-shaped ZnO/graphite-like carbon nanowires with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and anti-photocorrosion

A novel visible-light-driven ZnO/graphite-like carbon (ZnO/g-C) core-shell nanowires (NWs) were synthesized for promoting the separation of electron-hole pairs, enhancing photocatalytic activity and suppressing the photocorrosion. The fireworks-shaped ZnO NWs were firstly prepared by thermal decomposition of zinc acetate dihydrate and then loaded with carbon layer via a microwave-assisted aqueous solution method. The target products were obtained after ZnO/C nanocomposites were graphited at high temperatures. The results revealed that the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/g-C NWs was 2.4 times as high as that of pure ZnO under UV–vis light irradiation. And the ZnO/g-C NWs showed a dramatic visible light photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO/g-C NWs could be explained by the synergistic effect of the ZnO and graphite-like carbon layer. In the same way, a possible mechanism was discussed in order to explain the enhanced photoactivity under visible light irradiation.