Facile Green Synthesis of ZnO NPs and Plasmonic Ag-Supported ZnO Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

Removing organic pollutants, textile dyes, and pharmaceutical wastes from the water bodies has become an essential requirement for a safe environment. Therefore, present study aimed to prepare semiconductor zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) plasmonic Ag-supported ZnO nanocomposite (ZnO–Ag) using environmentally friendly bio-approach as alternative hazardous synthesis approaches. NPs ZnO–Ag were characterized by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–DRS) (the exhibited absorption band between 450–550 nm, attributed Ag surface plasmon resonance (SPR)), Photoluminescence (PL) spectral investigation, which revealed PL emission intensity of was lower than pure NPs, describing extended electron-hole pair (e--h+) lifespan photogenerated charge carriers, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), FT-Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses deduced. In addition, energy dispersive (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) performed further ascertained successful biosynthesis thermally stable Nps nanocomposite. The as-prepared displayed increased photocatalytic characteristics due decline in bandgap 3.02 eV 2.90 (ZnO–Ag nanocomposite). activity developed degradation methylene blue (MB) dye, primary industry released water-pollutant, conducted under UV light irradiation. Meanwhile, maximum % MB dye molecules attained 98.0 after 60 min exposure UV-light Increased nanocomposites faster rate achieved deposition (SPR) effect possessed NPs. oxidative route that resulted production hydroxyl radicals (OH•). SPR photocatalyst induced synergistic enhancement optical response separation photo-induced carriers. combined gives comprehensive information directions future research on noble metal-modified nanocatalysts direct applications water.