ZnO Nanoflakes on Pb Plates with Antibacterial Effects by Electrochemical and Hydrothermal Deposition

ZnO nanoflakes were grown on the lead (Pb) plates using the electro- hydrothermal deposition methods. To investigate the influence of electrodeposition current, the ZnO seed layer was electrodeposited on the lead plates at a larger current of 160 mA (current density of 40 mA/cm2) and a smaller current of 12 mA (current density of 3mA/cm2), respectively. Then, ZnO nanoflakes were grown on top of the seed layer. Multiple analyses including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) were performed on the ZnO nanostructures/Pb plates. Furthermore, surface con-tact angle measurements were conducted to study the hydrophobic properties and OD 600 antibacterial tests were used to investigate the antiseptic effects. Results indicate that the ZnO nanoflakes with the seed layer grown at a lower current of 12 mA exhibited good hydrop-hobic properties and strong antibacterial effects. ZnO nanoflakes/Pb plates show promising for future anti-radiation, antibacterial, and waterproof lead clothing applications.