Tremendously efficient Ag–ZnO–Zn(OH)2 nanosheets for nitrobenzene–aniline transformation via visible light irradiation

Abstract

Preparation of ZnO (Z) and ZnO/Zn(OH)2 (Z/ZH) specimens was carried out practicing a hydrothermal method. Z/ZH specimens were furnished by distinctive mass% of silver (1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mass%) utilizing photoassisted deposition regime and the attained decorated specimens were designated as (Ag1-Z/ZH, Ag3-Z/ZH, and Ag5-Z/ZH, respectively). Band-gap energy of Z makes it absorb in ultraviolet region whiles, Z/ZH and Ag-Z/ZH specimens possess band gaps that permit them to absorb in visible region. Modifying of Z/ZH specimens by Ag diminishes band-gap magnitude from 3.30 to 2.82 eV and, at the same time, reduces the speed by which electrons and holes may recombine. The photocatalytic actions of Z, Z/ZH, and Ag-Z/ZH were figured out beneath Vis light via nitrobenzene–aniline transformation. The complete and successful transformation could be achieved utilizing Ag3-Z/ZH photocatalyst with the charging of 1.2 g/l photocatalyst after 0.5 h from the beginning of the photocatalytic reaction. In addition, it was found that Ag3-Z/ZH photocatalyst could be reused five times conserving its stability.