Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nano-flower containing TiO2 NPs

In this study, TiO2-impregnated ZnO nano-flowers were synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal process. Aqueous suspension containing ZnO precursor and commercial TiO2 NPs (P25) is heated at 140 °C for 2 h. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized particles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed that TiO2 NPs were attached on the surface of ZnO flower. It was observed that the presence of TiO2 NPs in the hydrothermal solution could sufficiently decrease the size of ZnO flower. The hybrid nanostructure, with unique morphology, obtained from this convenient method (low temperature, less time, and less number of reagents) was found to be effective photocatalyst under UV-irradiation.