Abstract
Abstract ZnO nanomaterials with the stereochemical structure were becoming a research focus in the scope of photocatalytic materials, but the ZnO was sensitive to UV light rather than the solar light source, which considerably prohibited its extended application. ZnO nanomaterials coupled with other nanomaterials could generate the alternative composite heterojunction nanomaterials to promote the photocatalytic activity. Herein, we reported two facile and feasible synthesis methods to fabricate TiO2/ZnO cube nanocomposites and Ag/ZnO hollow spheres by hydrothermal reaction and chemical deposition, respectively. In this regard, these composited nanomaterials have been successfully fabricated with high purities, good morphology, and crystal structure. Noticeably, in contrast with TiO2/ZnO and Ag/ZnO bulk nanocomposites, the Ag/ZnO hollow spheres could offer the higher activity for RhB degradation under the visible light. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance of Ag/ZnO for RhB degradation could be improved synergistically, and the effect of RhB degradation was highest when the Ag mass ratio was modulated at 10% in the sample. Furthermore, it remained a high photocatalytic efficiency even after four cycles. This protocol provided an approvable approach to fabricate efficient photocatalysts with persistent photostability in the wastewater treatment process.
Highlights
Photocatalysis was typically considered as the prominent technologies for the application in the scope of environmental pollutants elimination, hydrolysis, CO2 reduction, metal corrosion, and protection [1,2,3,4]
The low-magnification transmission electron microscope (TEM) image clearly demonstrates that the Ag/ZnO was identified as the hollow spheres, where its surface consisted of a layer of ZnO particles
The HRTEM image disclosed that the Ag was attached on the hollow sphere surface, as evidenced by the lattice fringes of Ag (111) at 0.212 nm and ZnO (100) at 0.281 nm [5,31,32,33]
Summary
Photocatalysis was typically considered as the prominent technologies for the application in the scope of environmental pollutants elimination, hydrolysis, CO2 reduction, metal corrosion, and protection [1,2,3,4]. Their practical value and application potential have triggered continuous interests in developing effective and stable photocatalysts for pollutants reduction [5]. Their favorable properties of suitable redox potentials, high photosensitivity, and low expenditure [6]. What’s more, the photocatalytic efficiency and photostability for Ag/ZnO with different mass ratios were investigated
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