Facile synthesis of multitasking composite of Silver nanoparticle with Zinc oxide for 4-nitrophenol reduction, photocatalytic hydrogen production, and 4-chlorophenol degradation

Abstract

The multifunctional zinc oxide electrode was used in numerous applications. This study includes the catalytic performance of zinc oxide, which is further enhanced by the silver nanoparticle. The facile and cost-effective hydrothermal method is used to fabricate ZnO and Ag/ZnO composites. The Ag/ZnO-based catalyst is mainly constructed to reduce the water pollution caused by industrial discharges, which contains hazardous compounds like 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), and many other organic compounds. Removal of these hazardous organic compounds from potable water sources is essential for both ecosystem and human beings. In this study, Ag/ZnO composite was used as an efficient catalyst for catalytic reduction of hazardous 4-NP, and photocatalytic degradation of 4-CP. Catalytic reduction of the 4-NP using the Ag/ZnO composite is based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood principle. In addition to this study Ag/ZnO composite was tested for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The high charge transfer efficiency of Ag in the Ag/ZnO composite is helpful for enhancement in catalytic performance for hydrogen production and 4-CP degradation. The catalytic activity of Ag/ZnO in the 4-CP degradation increased from 59% to 96% and for hydrogen production rate increased from 1.9 to 12 µmol h− 1, as compared with the catalytic activity of ZnO.