Optimizing photocatalytic performance with Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization
Atif Hussain, Shamaila Fiaz, Abdullah Almohammedi, Aqsa Waqar
Abstract
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.