Effects of Ag Nanoparticles on Zinc Oxide Photocatalytic Performance

Abstract

We used a sol–gel spin coating technique to synthesize nanocomposite thin films based on zinc oxide (ZnO) loaded with silver nanoparticles (NPs). We tested these ZnO/Ag NP photocatalysts, with a thickness of about 100 nm, for the photodegradation of the indigo carmine dye solution. The study focused on the effects of Ag NPs on the ZnO matrix as well as the impact of their concentration on the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite. The study also highlighted the high stability of the photocatalytic performance of these nanocomposites. This work is a contribution in the search for non-toxic thin film photocatalysts that is usable under solar radiation for the treatment of contaminated wastewater. Innovation in the field of heterogeneous photocatalysis requires the use of solar resource with efficient results in terms of photocatalytic performance.

Environmental Remediation Promoted by Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized by Eucalyptus Leaves Extract

“…producing hydroxyl radicals ( • OH) from adsorbed water molecules. The photo-generated electrons from the conduction band are captured by adsorbed molecular oxygen on the surface of the AgNP and become superoxide free radicals [15,91,92]. The total mineralization is not confirmed in this work.…”

Preparation of Very Thin Zinc Oxide Films by Liquid Deposition Process: Review of Key Processing Parameters

“…In this paper, we further investigate the effects of preparation parameters and discuss the mechanisms of deposited film formation. The results of this study will help define the optimal conditions for obtaining high quality thin films for potential applications such as photocatalysis [67].…”

Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO/Ag(NPs) Nanocomposite Thin Films under Natural Conditions

“…In a previous paper [25] we presented preliminary results on these nanocomposite thin films demonstrating their feasibility and stability under laboratory operating conditions. In this paper, we have deeply revisited this study and extended it to natural operating conditions, using river water solution and using sunlight as an illumination source.…”