Controllable synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanorods

ZnO nanorods were successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted chemical method. The as-prepared ZnO particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It is found that ZnO nanorods with diameters around 20–30 nm and lengths in the range of 60–80 nm were synthesized. The products showed good photocatalytic performance under UV light irradiation. The ZnO nanorods also showed excellent photostability and reusability under UV-visible light irradiation.