Synthesis of uncapped and graphite-capped ZnO nanostructures and their chromaticity and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue for photonic emitting device and wastewater treatment applications

ZnO and graphite-capped ZnO nanostructures was synthesized via microwave treatment (420 W for 1 min) followed by a calcination (500 ◦C for 2 hrs). The formation of the aforementioned compounds, and their physicochemical
features were studied using XRD, ATR-FTIR, FE-SEM/EDX, UV–visible absorption, photoluminescence, chromaticity, and photodegradation characteristics. The effect of graphite on crystal structure, morphology, light absorption/emission, chromaticity, and photocatalytic activity of ZnO was thoroughly investigated. XRD analysis confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite phase in both ZnO and graphite capped-ZnO materials. FT-IR and EDS analysis were performed to confirm the formation of aforementioned compounds. The methylene blue (MB) photodegradation efficiency of ZnO and graphite-capped ZnO under UV light irradiation was determined as 94 and 97 %, respectively. The finding results would be suitable in photosensing displays and wastewater treatment applications.