Biosynthesis of nanoflower Ag-doped ZnO and its application as photocatalyst for Methylene blue degradation
Ari Sulistyo Rini, Adilla Permata Defti, Rahmi Dewi, Jasril Jasril, Yolanda Rati
Abstract
The addition of doping and modification of shape and size on semiconductor materials are attempts to enhance the performance of these materials. Biosynthesis of Ag-doped (Ag:ZnO) and undoped ZnO nanoflower were synthesized utilizing pineapple peel extract (PEE) at various doping concentrations of 0, 2, 4, and 6%. SEM images exhibited the nano-flower shapes with a reduced particle size as increasing % Ag doping. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of every element in each sample. X-ray diffraction pattern demonstrated the phase of wurtzite structure with increasing crystallite size. According to UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis, Ag:ZnO has shown blue-shifted absorption peaks and a larger band gap than pristine ZnO. Ag:ZnO films were fabricated using the doctor blade approach for photocatalysis. Under ultraviolet light (UV-C, λ = 253.7 nm) illumination, the film activities to degrade methylene blue was examined. The activity of 4% Ag:ZnO demonstrated photodegradation efficiency of 60.99% with reaction constant of −0.010 min−1. In conclusion, the Ag addition has stimulated visible light and permitted effective electron excitation in those samples, hence enhancing their performance.