ZnO Nanorods Array Loading by CuO thin film: Rectifying and Photocatalytic Activity

In the present work, two- component heterostructure of ZnOnanorods array (ZnO NRs) and CuO nanostructure has been grown. Well-aligned ZnO NRs have been synthesized using seed layer by low temperature wet chemical method. Then, CuOthin film has been form by thermal oxidation ofCu thin film deposited by magnetron sputtering on ZnO NRs to increase and expand optical absorption to visible region. The structure, morphology and chemical, optical, photocatalytic properties of ZnO NRs/CuOheterostructures have been studied by, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission- scanning electron microscope/ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM /EDX), UV-Vis- near IR optical absorption spectroscopy, and current – voltage measurement, respectively.Thermal oxidation of Cu thin film on ZnO NRs in the temperature range 200- 600 °C Cause ZnO NRs/CuO TF heterostructure to form. The ZnO NRs/CuOheterostructures increase and expand optical absorbtion to visible range in comparision to bare ZnO NRs.Photocatalytic activity of ZnO NRs/CuOheterostructure was investigated through Rhodamine B (RhB) photodegrdation under UV- Vis irradiation.Photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO NRs/CuOheterostructure is considerably increased in comparison to bare ZnO NRs