ZnO / Au Composite Nanomaterials and Methods for Fabricating Them

Abstract

The invention relates to ZnO / Au composite nanomaterials and a method for their fabrication. Accordingly, ZnO nanoparticle powder is dispersed in a medium containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer and bonding agent. Au3+ ions from the HAuCl4 precursor are then reduced with the strong reducing agent NaBH4 to form gold nanoparticles bonded to the surface of the ZnO nanoparticles, creating the ZnO / Au composite nanomaterial. The material has the ability to absorb light in the visible region while limiting charge recombination, thereby improving photocatalytic efficiency and sensitivity in sensing applications. The fabrication method is simple, energy-efficient, allows for good control of doping content, and has the potential for industrial-scale expansion.