Au integrated 2D ZnO heterostructures as robust visible light photocatalysts

Integration of semiconducting nanostructures with noble metal nanoparticles are turning highly desirable for cost efficient energy and environmental related applications. From this viewpoint, we report on a facile aqueous synthesis of polymer capped gold (Au) nanoparticles on free standing 2D layered structures of zinc oxide (ZnO) to result with ZnO/Au nanocomposites. Concentration of Au nanoparticles were observed to promote the preferential growth of ZnO along the (002) wurtzite plane. The ZnO/Au structures and their morphological dissemination was noted to be of few. This flake like structure was also noted to be greatly influenced by the concentration of Au in the colloidal blend. Optical band edge transformations noted in the absorption spectra across the lower wavelength region and the shift in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) towards the red region of the visible spectrum signify the improved absorptivity of the heterostructures along the visible spectrum. These heterostructures exhibited remarkable visible light driven photocatalytic activity (99% efficiency) on par with pristine ZnO. The findings also attest this new class of composite structures to open up new openings in diversified solar energy conversion related functions. •ZnO/Au heterostructures possessing free standing layered structured were obtained using a facile wet chemical strategy.•Au colloid facilitated morphology of ZnO had obtained.•Electron trapping from Au to ZnO particles occurring enhances the photocatalytic effects.•Rate of catalytic process of ZnO/Au layered composite possess several folds than the pristine ZnO particles.