Novel zinc oxide 3D tetrapod nano-microstructures: recent progress in synthesis, modification and tailoring of optical properties for photocatalytic applications

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the synthesis of novel semiconductor nano-microstructures and tailoring of their morphological properties for improved functionality and multifunctional applications. In this context, 3D zinc oxide tetrapods (ZnO TPs) have been emerged as promising photocatalyst materials due to their unique 3D morphology and excellent optoelectronic properties for sustainable removal of contaminants of emerging concern in the environment as well as other energy-related applications. ZnO TPs exhibit distinctive features when combined with other functional nanomaterials suggesting that these 3D nano-microstructures could be a valuable material for a range of futuristic applications. This review deals with the synthesis and modifications of novel 3D ZnO TPs as well as tailoring of their optical and morphological properties for potential photocatalytic applications in the field of energy and environment. Various synthesis methods of 3D ZnO TPs have been briefly discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages with emphasis on tailoring the surface and optical properties of 3D ZnO TPs. The promising applications of 3D ZnO TPs in photocatalytic degradation of environmental organic pollutants along with their antibacterial activity have been highlighted and discussed in detail. This review also emphasizes the use of 3D ZnO TPs in other fields of current interest of energy and environment such as photocatalytic H₂ production, CO₂ photoreduction, nano/micro-plastic remediation etc. The tunable optical properties and structural/morphological characteristics of 3D ZnO TPs, position them as versatile materials for multifunctional applications as well as open the way for future research and development in the field of energy, environmental and biomedical fields, have also been discussed along with various challenges.