Enhanced photocatalytic removal of nitric oxide over Ag-decorated ZnSn(OH)6 microcubes

Abstract

Presently, most of the population has been facing a string of severe air pollution problems that include the intensive emission of nitric oxide (NO), which requires a practical approach to sustain our living conditions. Herein, Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs)-decorated ZnSn(OH)6 microcubes (Ag:cZHS) photocatalysts are synthesized and used for photocatalytic NO removal under solar light activation. The properties of the newly obtained photocatalysts are comprehensively characterized by a series of typical methods. The NO removal performance over the c:ZHS photocatalysts was increased markedly upon being combined with Ag NPs because of the surface plasmon resonance effect. The contribution of electron (e−), hole (h+), hydroxyl radical (•OH), and oxygen radicals (•O2) was investigated through trapping tests and electron spin resonance analysis. Also, the by-products and apparent quantum efficiency of the photocatalysts were thoroughly studied.