In order to eliminate the last persistent organic pollutants in water after treatment, pollution control methods must be continually improved. Photocatalysis is one of the most promising candidates for degrading these residual compounds. The process is based on the ability of a semiconductor to separate electrons and holes under the effect of light, and then form radical species. ZnO nanowires, with their UV absorption, large specific surface area, low-cost synthesis and abundant resources, are materials with great potential for this application.

This work begins by focusing on the intrinsic properties of ZnO nanowires synthesized by chemical bath deposition (CBD), by studying their surface properties. Surface charges as a function of pH and photocatalytic properties for the different planes are defined here. Next, nanowire synthesis is addressed, demonstrating the ability to co-dope them with aluminium/gallium and aluminium/chlorine duos. This know-how, together with copper and antimony doping, will be used to study the influence of doping on photocatalytic properties. This approach shows that doping is not the first-order influential parameter for improving material performance. This work also highlights a link between photocatalytic activity and photocorrosion. Finally, the durability of processes and materials is addressed by removing toxic precursors from synthesis and defining the criticality of zinc.