Novel Ag₃PO₄-ZnO@GOTernary composite, synthesis, characterisation and photodegradation of Rhodamine B

Abstract

Nowadays, photocatalytic degradation and removal of organic water pollutants such as dyes have gained worldwide attention due to their potential toxicity. The Ag3PO4-ZnO@GO ternary composite was successfully synthesised via hydrothermal process. The as-prepared ternary composite was characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. The prepared ternary composite was used as a photocatalyst in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The ternary nanocomposite exhibited a maximum degradation efficiency of 86% after light irradiation for 110 min as compared to pure ZnO (36%) and Ag3PO4-ZnO binary composite (46%) due to its improved photocatalytic efficiency under visible light, proficient charge separation and innovative electronic characteristics.