Abstract
In this study, a series of hybrid Ag2CO3/ZnO composites were synthesised via a simple precipitation route and investigated for discolouration-degradation of Methylene Blue and disinfection of Escherichia coli in natural sunlight. It was observed that the photonic efficiency of discolouration was more than 6 times that of the conventionally popular TiO2, under experimental conditions; 100% Total Organic Carbon reduction was observed in 30 min and 32% disinfection in an hour. This upswing in the performance is attributed to favourable modulation of the dynamics of charge transfer. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Brunauer, Emmett and Teller and Ultraviolet–Visible-Near-InfraRed Spectroscopy. An equitable photocatalyst functional mechanism has also been proposed on the basis of Tauc plot and scavenging experiments. The effect of influencing parameters has also been investigated and reported in terms of photonic efficiency. Since the entire study is carried out in direct sunlight, it inherently supports realizable solar energy applications in wastewater treatment.
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