Synthesis and structural properties of ZnO nanowires modified by carbon quantum dots

A simple and facile one-pot synthesis of ZnO/CQDs nanowires on ITO substrate was performed using the hydrothermal method at a mild temperature (90°C). The characteristics and morphological feature of the obtained carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were characterized using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The prepared ZnO/CQDs sample was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-visible spectrophotometer. The results indicated that carbon quantum dots were successfully doped in the ZnO nanowires. It also showed that the obtained ZnO/CQDs nanowires exhibited superior absorption capacity than pure ZnO. Overall, the present preparation method of ZnO/CQDs takes on meaning in the area of green synthesis in aqueous solutions, and the product has great potential in the development of a remarkably efficient catalytic system.