Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO NRs Using Mechanical-Assisted Thermal Decomposition Method for the Degradation of Humic Acid

In this study, ZnO nanorods were successfully synthesized by using the one-step mechanical-assisted thermal decomposition method. The crystalline nature and morphology of the as-synthesized sample were confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The optical bandgap (E_g) of obtained ZnO nanorods is measured ~ 2.57 eV using UV–Visible spectrophotometer. The synthesized photocatalyst (25 mg) was used for degradation of 3 mg/100 ml concentration of humic acid. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is measured of ZnO nanorods towards the degradation of humic acid. Maximum efficiency attained by the ZnO nanorods for the degradation of humic acid is 99.4% in the 100 min. Mott-Schottky plots show n-type nature of the as-synthesized ZnO nanorods. The negative surface charge (− 8.51 mV) of the synthesized ZnO nanorods is observed from Zeta potential curve. The synthesized ZnO nanorods and their performance towards the photocatalytic degradation of humic acid were observed, which makes them ideal candidate for diverse applications such as optical applications, catalysis for degradation of pollutants and remove the heavy metal ions (HMIs) and environmental remediation.