Facile synthesis of Ag-ZnO core–shell nanostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity

• Published in: Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry (Seoul, Korea) 2018, 61(0), , pp.78-86
• Main Authors: Kadam, A.N., Bhopate, D.P., Kondalkar, V.V., Majhi, S.M., Bathula, C.D., Tran, Anh-Vy, Lee, Sang-Wha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ag-ZnO core–shell; Chemical synthesis; MO degradation; Photocatalysis; Reusable; 화학공학
• ISSN: 1226-086X; 1876-794X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2017.12.003

[Display omitted] •Facile wet-chemical approach to synthesize Ag-ZnO core–shell nanostructure (CSNS).•Ag-ZnO CSNS shows higher photoreactivity (4–6 times) than ZnO and TiO2 (P25).•Highly reactive species like OH and O2− is responsible for the photoreactivity.•The possible photocatalytic mechanism is systematically studied and well supported.•Ag-ZnO CSNS shows better separation of photo-generated charge carrier.•Ag-ZnO CSNS is stable even after recycling five times. Ag-ZnO core–shell nanostructure (CSNS) was prepared via a facile wet chemical approach. Formation was certified by various characterization techniques. The surface plasmon band of Ag-ZnO CSNS was red-shifted. Photoluminescence quenching for Ag-ZnO CSNS was attributed to improved charge separation. Ag-ZnO CSNS exhibited ∼6 times higher photocatalytic activity than pristine ZnO and ∼4 times higher than TiO2 (P25). Such enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to synergistic effect, more charge separation, and higher surface area. Ag-ZnO CSNS also showed excellent photostability and reusability. Photocatalytic mechanism was discussed based on major reactive oxidative species such as OH and O2−.