ZnO nanorods modified with noble metal-free Co3O4 nanoparticles as a photocatalyst for efficient ethylene degradation under light irradiation

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized noble metal-free Co₃O₄ as a cocatalyst for a modified ZnO nanorod photocatalyst to achieve efficient ethylene degradation under light irradiation. The Co₃O₄-decorated ZnO nanorods demonstrate photocatalytic activity for ethylene oxidation that is better than that of pure ZnO and even better than that of the noble metal-based RuO₂-modified ZnO. Furthermore, Co₃O₄-modified ZnO exhibits good stability in a six-cycle experiment. Measurement results indicate that the Co₃O₄ nanoparticles can effectively promote the transfer and inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes during the photocatalytic reaction. Therefore, the Co₃O₄-modified ZnO nanorod photocatalyst displays excellent photocatalytic properties for ethylene degradation and can effectively realize the complete mineralization of ethylene molecules.