Facile Preparation of Ag2ZnGeO4 Flower-like Hierarchical Nanostructure and Its Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

In this study, Ag2ZnGeO4 flower-like hierarchical nanostructure was prepared using a simple and mild method. The as-prepared samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was explored using Rhodamine B as a model pollutant. The results indicated that the Ag2ZnGeO4 hierarchical nanostructures obtained consisted of nanoplates and nanorods, and adopted spherical flower-like morphology. Moreover, the as-prepared Ag2ZnGeO4 hierarchical nanostructure was an efficient and stable visible-light photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes in water. After visible light irradiation for 105 min, the degradation of Rhodamine B was up to 92%. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of Ag2ZnGeO4 remained unchanged after three successive cycles.