Enhanced photocatalytic ability from carbon-doped ZnO photocatalyst synthesized without an external carbon precursor

We report a simple synthesis of C-doped ZnO composite nanoparticles by a solvothermal treatment of Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2O that provides a source of both zinc and carbon. The photocatalytic activities of the composites were evaluated by the degree of degradation rhodamine B in aqueous solutions at room temperature with near UV light irradiation. These nanocomposites exhibit higher photocatalytic activity compared with pure ZnO nanoparticles. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity of C-doped ZnO nanoparticles is mainly attributed to their absorbed more photons and reduced electron hole pair recombination.