Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of lotus-rootlike Au-ZnO nanostructures

Unique lotus-rootlike Au-ZnO hybrid structures were obtained by controlling the deposition of pre-synthesized Au nanocrystals onto the surfaces of as-obtained ZnO structures. ZnO with lotus-rootlike structures was first prepared through a hydrothermal process. We also investigated the effects of various Au contents on the photocatalytic activities in detail. Notably, compared to the pure ZnO component, these resulting lotus-root-like Au-ZnO nanostructures with the appropriate amounts of Au content exhibited better photocatalytic efficiency.