High performing photocatalytic ZnO hollow sub-micro-spheres fabricated by microwave induced self-assembly approach

Abstract The development of high-performing photocatalytic materials is highly sought after, but challenging, especially for environmental applications. Herein, we report on a microwave induced self-assembly approach for the fabrication of uniform submicron ZnO hollow spheres (ZOHS) with shell walls of nano diameter. This approach is more efficient, greener and swifter than methods that have been previously reported on. The microwave induced self-assembly method is an interesting approach to produce well-defined and uniform ZnO hollow-structured spheres as revealed by TEM, SEM, XRD, IR, TGA and BET analysis. Of particular interest is the practical relevance of the photocatalytic performance of the obtained hollow-structured ZnO was explored through the photodegradation of Rhodamin B (RhB). The ZOHS exhibited higher photocatalytic performance when compared with its solid counterparts (at room temperature) as revealed by UV–Vis analysis.