Comparative investigation of ZnO morphologies for optimal CdS quantum-dot deposition via pseudo-SILAR method

Abstract

To reveal the efficient most morphological form of ZnO for quantum-dots (QDs) deposition via pseudo-successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method, we synthesized eight different morphologies of ZnO namely, nanochips, nano-discs, nano-needles, nano-particles, nano-rod based flowers, nano-sheets, nano-rods and nano-sheet based flowers. Later, we sensitized them all with CdS QDs. Extensive experimentation was carried out to characterize the pristine and CdS deposited ZnO morphologies and their photo-catalytic response against Rhodamine B dye was subsequently determined. ZnO having nano-sheet based flower like shape showed optimal (similar to 96%) dye degradation under ultraviolet-visible light due to superior CdS QDs deposition.