Fabrication and Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of Co-doped ZnO Nanorods

Co-doped ZnO nanorods were prepared by electrochemical deposition method in aqueous solution. lb study the as-grown samples, several characterizations were carried out. The scanning electron microscopy（SEM） images show that the samples present a rod-like shape with hexagonal cross sections and roughened surthce. There is a slight shift for （002） diffraction peak of Co-doped ZnO nanorods in XRD because Co2~ ions entered into the ZnO lattice. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy（EDS） and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS） results also show the exist of Co in the sample. Photoluminescence（PL） spectra of the samples were observed at room tempera- ture, the UV emission of Co-doped ZnO shows a slight red shift compared with that of undoped ZnO. Thus, we can reach the conclusion that Zn2＋ ions have been substituted by Co2. ions in the ZnO samples. In addition, photocatalysis property of Co-doped ZnO nanorods was investigated under the irradiation of visible light. It was found that the degradation rate of methyl orange is increased greatly nanorods. by Co-doped ZnO nanorods in comparison to undoped ZnO