Optimizing photocatalytic performance with Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization

Autor: Atif Hussain, Shamaila Fiaz, Abdullah Almohammedi, Aqsa Waqar
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Heliyon, Vol 10, Iss 15, Pp e35725- (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2405-8440
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35725
Popis: The development of nanotechnology has significantly impacted the improvement of photocatalytic performance of ZnO NPs. In this study synthesis of pure ZnO and Ag–ZnO nanoparticles via a co-precipitation method at varying Ag concentrations (1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 % and 6 %) to enhance their photo catalytic efficacy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis estimates crystallite size which decreased by increasing Ag concentration, ranging from 30.6 nm (Pure ZnO) to 22.5 nm 6 % Ag-doped ZnO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed decrease in particle size with increasing Ag content. UV–Vis spectroscopy indicating a narrowed band gap of optimal sample. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated using methylene orange (MO) dye degradation under light irradiation. The MO concentration exhibited a decrease with increasing irradiation time in the presence of photocatalysts. Recombination rate of NPs decreases by increasing the concentration of Ag i.e. 4%Ag dope ZnO NPs have lowest recombination rate and maximum degradation efficiency. FTIR analysis confirms the preparation of Ag-doped ZnO NPs. This improvement can be credited to the synergistic effect of Ag doping, leading to a narrowed band gap and potentially maximum degradation of MO by using Ag-doped ZnO NPs.
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