Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Au-doped Au@ZnO core-shell flower-like nanocomposites

We introduce a simple and low-cost three-step hydrothermal and pulsed laser ablation technique for the fabrication of flower-like pure ZnO nanostructures, Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites, and Au@ZnO/Au core-shell nanocomposites doped with various concentrations (5, 10, and 15 wt%) of Au nanoparticles without using surfactants or catalysts to enhance the catalytic performance of ZnO under UV–visible irradiation. The decoration of Au...