What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to investigate the photocatalytic performance of ZnO-CuO heterostructures under UV-Vis irradiation.

February 12, 2026Open Access

Photocatalytic Performance of Hydrothermally Processed ZnO- CuO Schottky Heterostructure

MGMahla Ghaemi-moghadamVali Asr University of Rafsanjan ARAli RahmatiVali Asr University of Rafsanjan SBSima Barxordar BaravatiVali Asr University of Rafsanjan

Key Points

The study aims to investigate the photocatalytic performance of ZnO-CuO heterostructures under UV-Vis irradiation.
Hybrid ZnO nanorods and CuO nanostructures were synthesized using a low-temperature wet chemical method.
Characterization techniques included X-ray diffractometry, FE-SEM/EDX, and UV-Vis near IR optical absorption spectroscopy.
Photocatalytic activity was tested through the photodegradation of Rhodamine B under UV-Vis irradiation.
ZnO-CuO heterostructures demonstrated increased optical absorption in the visible range compared to bare ZnO.
The photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of Rhodamine B significantly improved with the heterostructure.
The heterojunction displayed typical Schottky behavior, enhancing photocatalytic performance.

Abstract

In the present study, hybrid ZnO nanorods array- CuO nanostructures (NSs) has been grown by low temperature wet chemical method. The structural, morphological, chemical, optical, and photocatalytical and transport properties of ZnO nanorods array/CuO heterostructures have been studied by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission- scanning electron microscope/ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM /EDX), UV-Vis- near IR optical absorption spectroscopy, and current – voltage measurement, respectively. The diversified geometries of CuO NSs (hollow concave, bundle of sheet and flower-like) were grown on well –aligned array of ZnO nanorods. The Array of ZnO nanorods-CuO NSs heterostructures increase and expand optical absorbtion to visible range in comparison to bare Array of ZnO nanorods. Photocatalytic activity of Array of ZnO nanorods/CuO heterostructure was investigated through photodegrdation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV- Vis irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency of Array of ZnO nanorods-CuO NSs heterostructure is considerably increased in comparison to the bare array of ZnO nanorods. A typical Schottky behavior of array of ZnO nanorods-CuO NSs heterojunction promotes the photocatalytic performance.

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