Ag-doped ZnO Research Articles

NH3 gas-sensing application of Ag-doped ZnO–CuO nanocomposite synthesized via chemical route

NH3 gas-sensing application of Ag-doped ZnO–CuO nanocomposite synthesized via chemical route

Investigating the role of Ag-doped ZnO thin films in UV photodetectors produced via laser assisted chemical bath growth technique

This study introduces the innovative fabrication of Ag-doped ZnO thin films (AgxZnO(100−x) TFs) with varying silver (Ag) concentrations (x) of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 at% on glass substrates using a simple and cost-effective method known as laser-assisted chemical bath growth (LACBG). This process aims to create metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. A continuous wave semiconductor laser with a 444.5 nm wavelength, 5 W power, and 6 min irradiation time was employed to synthesize high-quality Ag-doped ZnO TFs on the glass substrate. Ag electrodes were utilized as Schottky contacts to form MSM UV photodetectors. Structural and morphological analyses conducted using XRD and SEM revealed vertically aligned nanorods and nanoflowers with a high c-axis orientation and hexagonal wurtzite facets, while EDX confirmed Ag incorporation into the ZnO lattice. The UV–Visible absorbance spectra indicated a decrease in bandgap from 3.28 to 2.84 eV with increased Ag content. The current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of the Ag-doped ZnO TFs UV photodetector showed significantly enhanced conductivity at a 2.0 at% concentration level, achieving a responsivity of 10.78 A/W, an external quantum efficiency of 34.67 % at −3 V bias voltage. Finally, the modified device exhibited a sensitivity of 14661.9 %, a gain of 147.62, and a detectivity of 2.25 ×107 Jones, demonstrating its suitability for optoelectronic applications.

Functionalization of Artwork Packaging Materials Utilizing Ag-Doped TiO2 and ZnO Nanoparticles.

Most of the artworks stored in museums are often kept in inappropriate climatic and environmental conditions that facilitate the formation and growth of microorganisms, such as fungi, which are responsible for many types of biodegradation phenomena. To mitigate and prevent these deteriorative processes, functionalized packaging materials can be used for the storage and handling of artworks. The aim of this study was to develop a potential anti-biodeterioration coating suitable for packaging purposes. TiO2 and ZnO doped with different amounts of Ag (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, and 3 wt%) were synthesized and dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic resin (Paraloid B72), then applied on different types of packaging materials (cellulose and the high-density spunbound polyethylene fiber Tyvek®, materials that are frequently used as packaging in museums). Analytical investigations (SEM/EDS, Raman, FTIR, and XRD) were employed to assess dispersion on the packaging material. Furthermore, resistance against biodeteriogens was assessed using Cladosporium sp., a bioluminometer, to define the biocidal efficacy.

Optimizing photocatalytic performance with Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization

The development of nanotechnology has significantly impacted the improvement of photocatalytic performance of ZnO NPs. In this study synthesis of pure ZnO and Ag–ZnO nanoparticles via a co-precipitation method at varying Ag concentrations (1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 % and 6 %) to enhance their photo catalytic efficacy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis estimates crystallite size which decreased by increasing Ag concentration, ranging from 30.6 nm (Pure ZnO) to 22.5 nm 6 % Ag-doped ZnO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed decrease in particle size with increasing Ag content. UV–Vis spectroscopy indicating a narrowed band gap of optimal sample. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated using methylene orange (MO) dye degradation under light irradiation. The MO concentration exhibited a decrease with increasing irradiation time in the presence of photocatalysts. Recombination rate of NPs decreases by increasing the concentration of Ag i.e. 4%Ag dope ZnO NPs have lowest recombination rate and maximum degradation efficiency. FTIR analysis confirms the preparation of Ag-doped ZnO NPs. This improvement can be credited to the synergistic effect of Ag doping, leading to a narrowed band gap and potentially maximum degradation of MO by using Ag-doped ZnO NPs.

Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles and Ag-Doped ZnO Nanocomposite Utilizing Sansevieria trifasciata for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of a biofabricated nanomaterial derived from Sansevieria trifasciata root extract, evaluating its structural, morphological, and optical properties for use in asymmetric supercapacitors. The nanomaterial comprises pristine ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and a 1% Ag-doped ZnO nanocomposite (Ag@ZnO NC), synthesized through a green-assisted sol-gel autocombustion method. Employing techniques such as X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible near-infrared, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-rayspectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, the study confirms a hexagonal wurtzite structure and nanocrystallites with spherical and hexagonal shapes (30 nm). Optical analysis reveals a red shift in the band gap with Ag doping, indicating improved conductivity. The material shows potential applications in solar cells, optoelectronics, spintronics, wastewater treatment, and high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors. Raman spectra validate the wurtzite phase and identify intrinsic defects. Electrochemical tests demonstrate remarkable supercapacitive behavior with a 94% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles, highlighting its promise as advanced asymmetric supercapacitors.

Biogenic Ag-doped ZnO nanostructures induced cytotoxicity in luminal A and triple-negative human breast cancer cells.

Aim: To evaluate the apoptosis-inducing properties of undoped and silver-doped-zinc-oxide nanoparticles (SDZONs) synthesized using Boswellia serrata against MCF-7 (Luminal-A) and MDA-MB-231(Triple-negative) breast cancer cell lines.Methodology: Nanostructures were developed by facile biohydrothermal method and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and high resolutiontransmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The comparative effect of doping and dose concentration of nanostructures on cytotoxicity was measured using MTT and trypan-blue-exclusion assay.Results: SDZONs exhibited greater cytotoxicity (20.71%, 27.31% cell viability) as compared with undoped nanostructures (35.81%, 37.08% cell viability) against MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively.Conclusion: The activity of biogenic nanostructures was highly dependent on doping, dose, and type of cell lines used. The novel biogenic SDZONs could be exploited as a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally benign strategy to curb breast cancer.

Natural honey (Mellifera) assisted combustion synthesis of ZnO, Ag-ZnO and Fe-ZnO nanoparticles for ethanol gas sensor applications

Biogenic combustion with Mellifera (Honey) capping produced ZnO, Ag-doped ZnO, and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The phase and crystal structure of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have been recorded through XRD spectrum. It confirms that the prepared metal oxides are within the nanoscale range. The average crystallite size of Fe-doped ZnO is 8.8 nm, smaller than ZnO and Ag-doped nanoparticles. The vibrational spectra of ZnO, Ag-doped ZnO, and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles confirm functional group stretching vibrational modes. The exterior surface morphology of all metal oxide nanoparticles was captured by FESEM. Metal oxide nanoparticle compositional analysis shows elemental presence, atomic, and weight %. The optical properties of metal oxide nanoparticles have been examined using UV–vis spectroscopy. The band gap energy of ZnO nanoparticles reduced from 2.68 eV to 1.74 eV under Fe doing and increased to 2.9 eV under Ag doing. Metal oxide thermal stability is also being investigated to determine how it affects ZnO nanoparticles. Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles have greater sensor properties than other metal oxides due to their tiny size, band gap, and stability. Gas sensor behaviour of three metal oxide nanoparticles was examined in various accepts. It proves Fe-doped ZnO is a promising gas sensor material.

Harmonizing nature and nanotechnology: Phytoextract-mediated synthesis of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles using Lavandula stoechas extract for environmental and biomedical applications

Nanoparticles, owing to their distinctive physical and chemical attributes, play pivotal roles in advancing nanomedicine and environmental technologies, particularly in the development of therapeutic systems and clean energy solutions. In this study, we achieved the synthesis of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles utilizing Lavandula stoechas extract (LSE@Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles) for the first time. The characterization of nanoparticles involved Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. XRD and TEM results illustrated a crystalline structure, spherical shape, and a size range of approximately 45–65 nm for the synthesized nanoparticles. The photocatalytic property of LSE@Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles was assessed through the degradation of gentamicin. Optimization reactions, encompassing nanocatalyst dosage, light source, and antibiotic concentration, were conducted to achieve maximum degradation efficiency. Remarkably, under optimal conditions, LSE@Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a remarkable 93.7 % degradation of gentamicin in just 100 min. Additionally, the antifungal and antibacterial properties against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains were investigated. Notably, the highest antibacterial activity was observed against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus strains with concentrations of 250, 125, 62.5, and 250 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of LSE@Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles against the HT-29 cancer cell line was explored, revealing an IC50 value of 21.37 μg/ml. Additionally, the nanoparticles demonstrated potent antioxidant capabilities, with a 79.8 % DPPH removal percentage for LSE@Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles. These findings underscore the multifaceted properties of the synthesized nanoparticles, holding promising prospects for applications in both medical and environmental sciences.

Proliferating optoelectronic properties of doped ZnO nanoparticles

Ag-doped ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized precisely by adopting a wet chemical method to explore their optoelectronic characteristics for LED applications. Characterization studies have progressed for substantiation of its structural, and functional characteristics in conjugation with the optical properties of nanocomposites before and after doping. The metal-oxygen bonding was affirmed from IR spectra and excitation characteristics were detailed from UV–visible absorption spectra. The SEM images along with Energy dispersive X-ray analysis deliberates hexagonal morphology for pure ZnO which was surprisingly reformed into poly hexagon structures after doping with silver ions. The pertinence of the target material for LED application was verified by performing photoluminescence and charge density measurements. The doping of silver ions into ZnO presents a novel avenue in the field of optronics and serves as appropriate phosphors for light-emitting diodes. The application of the title compound was established by providing nano coating to LED bulb and emission efficiencies was recorded before and after coating. The present research recommends a unique method of nanocoating of LED bulb for efficient light intensity.

Mitigation of caffeine micropollutants in wastewater through Ag-doped ZnO photocatalyst: mechanism and environmental impacts.

Micropollutants, such as caffeine (M-CF), pose a significant threat to ecosystems and human health through water and food sources. The utilization of metal oxide-based photocatalysts has proven to be an effective treatment method for the removal of organic pollutants. This study explores the efficacy of Ag-doped ZnO (Ag/ZnO) for removing M-CF from wastewater. The characterization of Ag/ZnO underscores the crucial role of band gap energy in the photocatalytic degradation process. This parameter influences the separation of electrons and holes (e-/h+) and the generation of reactive radicals. Under solar light, Ag/ZnO demonstrated markedly superior photocatalytic activity, achieving an impressive degradation efficiency of approximately 93.4%, in stark contrast to the 53.2% occurred by ZnO. Moreover, Ag/ZnO exhibited a remarkable degradation efficiency of M-CF in wastewater, reaching 83.5%. A key advantage of Ag/ZnO lies in its potential for recovery and reuse in subsequent treatments, contributing to a reduction in operational costs for industrial wastewater treatment. Impressively, even after five cycles, Ag/ZnO maintained a noteworthy photodegradation rate of M-CF at 78.6%. These results strongly suggest that Ag/ZnO presents a promising solution for the removal of micropollutants in wastewater, with potential scalability for industrial and large-scale applications.

Ferromagnetism in silver-doped single-walled zinc oxide nanotubes

In this paper, the electronic and magnetic properties of single-walled ZnO:Ag nanotubes with a chirality of (6,0) were investigated. Ab initio simulations were carried out using Atomistic ToolKit computer code implementing density functional theory within the local spin density approximation. To obtain an accurate energy band gap for related systems, we used the Hubbard U semiempirical corrections. The introduction of the Ag atom into the ZnO nanotube structure changes the electronic structure, the energy gap decreases with the silver concentration. The calculated value of total magnetic moments of the Ag-doped single-walled ZnO NT system is 1.0 μB. Our results predict that Ag-doped ZnO NT can be a potential candidate for optoelectronic and spintronic devices.

Bimetallic S. pachycarpa@Ag-Doped ZnO Alloy Nanoparticles Unveil Therapeutic Promise: Revolutionizing Multiple Myeloma Treatment

In recent years, nanoscience has emerged as a prominent research field, focusing on exploring the therapeutic properties of herbal medicine. This research presents the green synthesis of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles using the fruit extract of Sophora pachycarpa (S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs). Various characterization methods, including XRD, EDAX, TEM, and FT-IR, were employed to identify the nanoparticles. The XRD technique confirmed the crystallinity of S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs, with an average size of 47nm. In this investigation, we explored the potential toxicity of S. pachycarpa fruit extract and S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs on U266B1 cells. The cells were treated for 24 and 72hours with varying concentrations (0.5-1mg/ml) of S. pachycarpa and S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs. The percentage of cell viability was determined using the AlamarBlue Assay. Additionally, the expression level of the P53 gene was evaluated by Real-Time PCR, with the β-actin gene serving as an internal reference gene for comparison. Viability results demonstrated that approximately 92% and 62% of cells remained alive after treatment with 1mg/ml dose of S. pachycarpa for 24 and 72hours, respectively, compared to the control. In the case of cells treated with S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs, an IC50 of 585.664µg/ml was acquired after 24h of treatment. The expression level of P53 in cells treated with S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs and S. pachycarpa significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner, reaching 10380 and 1.62 fold expressions in 2mg/ml of S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs and S. pachycarpa, respectively. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that S. pachycarpa@Ag-doped ZnO NPs can be considered a new avenue for Multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. However, further studies are necessary to identify more detailed aspects of the drug's mechanism of action, such as investigating the signaling pathway and protein level via western blotting.

Defect Induced high-color-rendering white light emissions from Ag-doped ZnO

It is crucial to find high-quality white-light phosphors that are simple to synthesize in order to create efficient lighting. In this pursuit, the focus has been on achieving the emission of white light in ZnO and Ag-doped ZnO emerging as a promising phosphor candidate. The optimized ZnO nano phosphors demonstrated visible-light emission with ideal Commission international de I E “Eclairage frequently abbreviated as coordinates (x = 0.33, y = 0.33 ) and a correlated color temperature of 6200 K, and a color rendering index of 100 for equivalent to day white light. Furthermore, under certain ideal processing conditions, neutral white-light emission (x = 0.33, y = 0.33 at λex = 280 and 370 nm) with a Color correlated temperature (CCT) of 5500 K(approx.) was achieved. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) of the ZnO and Ag:ZnO nanoparticles exceeded 90, with high values approaching 96%, which is necessary for accurately portraying object colors in comparison to natural sunshine. The research findings revealed a decrease in the FS emission intensity with all the UV excitation when Ag doped in ZnO, which aligns well with the principles of Stern-Volmer quenching. A reduction in intensity was observed which may be due to the Ag dopant interacting with the luminescent nanoparticles and causing a reduction in their emitted light. The study successfully develops and optimizes ZnO-based nano phosphors with tailored white-light emission characteristics, presenting a promising solution for achieving energy-efficient and high-quality white-light sources for various lighting applications.

Liquid-Liquid Interface-Assisted Self-Assembly of Ag-Doped ZnO Nanosheets for Atomic Switch Application.

Developing facile and inexpensive methods for obtaining large-area two-dimensional semiconducting nanosheets is highly desirable for mass-scale device application. Here, we report a method for producing uniform and large-area films of a Ag-doped ZnO (AZO) nanosheet network via self-assembly at the hexane-water interface by controlling the solute/solvent ratio. The self-assembled film comprises of uniformly tiled nanosheets with size ∼1 μm and thicknesses∼60-100 nm. Using these films in a Pt/AZO/Ag structure, an atomic switch operation is realized. The switching mechanism is found to be governed by electrochemical metallization with nucleation as the rate-limiting step. Our results establish the protocol for large-scale device applications of AZO nanosheets for exploring advanced atomic switch-based neuromorphic systems.

Synthetic strategies of Ag-doped ZnO nanocomposites: a comprehensive review

Synthetic strategies of Ag-doped ZnO nanocomposites: a comprehensive review

Biosynthesis of Ag-doped ZnO nanorods using template Bacillus sp. and polyethylene glycol via sol-gel-hydrothermal methods for antifungal application

Synthesis of Ag-ZnO nanorods (Ag-ZnO NR) utilizing biological materials, specifically the extracellular enzymes of Bacillus sp. Combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a nanorod pattern template has been proposed. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) of varying relative molecular mass (Mr): 6000, 8000, and 10000 was used. Characterization of Ag-ZnO NR with ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–vis) revealed absorption at (λmax) = 300 - 330 nm, a blue shift region that was identical to the growth of the Ag-ZnO crystal nucleus. Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) profile of Bacillus sp. revealed high intensity at wave number 1600 -1650 cm−1, indicating the amine NH strain in the extracellular enzyme Bacillus sp.; 1430 – 1387 cm−1, indicating -CH3 strain, and 1050 cm−1 indicating CO in PEG. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed high intensity at 2θ: 31.75°; 34.41°; 36.25° indicates hexagonal wurtzite ZnO (ICDS-ZnO 2017). In contrast, Ag-doped ZnO exhibited high intensity at 2θ: 38. 07°; 44.28°; 66.35° (ICDS-Ag) with crystallite size of 21.85 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed nanorod and spherical particles of 198.96 nm of Ag-ZnO NR PEG-10000. The antifungal effectiveness that was measured based on the number of free radicals •O2 and •OH in the photocatalytic reaction using a p-benzoquinone scavenger reached 85±0.7 %. The highest antifungal activity was detected with an inhibition zone of 3.65-3.04 mm. This finding is very promising for the green synthesis of ZnO and its application as future antifungal application in textile industries.

Boosting the photocathode performances of protected Cu2O inverse opals using photonic-crystal heterostructures

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is a highly efficient p-type semiconductor photocatalytic material with the capability for visible light absorption. In this work, three-dimensional Cu2O inverse opals with different diameters were prepared using the electrochemical deposition method. The photocathode performances were enhanced by adjusting the wavelength of photonic band gap, being co-modified by Au and Ag nanoparticles, applying the protective layers, and fabricating a photonic-crystal heterostructure with another p-type semiconductor. The slow-light effect leads a 23.9 % increase in photocurrent density. The co-modification of Au and Ag nanoparticles achieves a 77 % average increase in photocurrent density compared with pure Cu2O inverse opals. Conformal protective layers, consisting of ZnO and Al2O3 and deposited using atomic layer deposition, prevent the photocorrosion of the Cu2O photocathode while preserving its photocatalytic activity. After one hour of illumination, the photo-generated current density of protected Cu2O inverse opals is nearly three times higher than that of their uncoated counterparts. By fabricating Ag-doped ZnO with p-type characteristics and combining it with Cu2O into a heterostructure, the saturated photocurrent density of the Ag-doped ZnO/Cu2O heterostructure reaches −3.78 mA/cm2, which is almost 3.2 times higher than that of pristine Cu2O inverse opal at −0.12 V vs RHE.

Plant Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Ag-Doped ZnO: Eco-Friendly Nanomaterial for Environmental Restoration, Microbial Inhibition, Cell Toxicity, Antioxidant Potential, and Sensing

Plant Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Ag-Doped ZnO: Eco-Friendly Nanomaterial for Environmental Restoration, Microbial Inhibition, Cell Toxicity, Antioxidant Potential, and Sensing

Evaluation of the effect of Ag- doping ZnO microstructure on optical and structural properties and application in photocatalytic properties

The chemical bath deposition technique was successful in producing silver-doped ZnO thin films. On the glass substrates, pure and silver-doped ZnO thin films have been deposited. By using a variety of sophisticated techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), UV-vis spectrophotometer, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, the generated pure and Ag-doped ZnO thin films were studied. According to X-ray analysis, Ag-doped ZnO crystallized as a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a preference for growth in the (002) planes, the pure and Ag-doped ZnO's hexagonal wurtzite structures provided evidence for the microparticles' luminescent characteristics. The analysis of the methylene blue degradation revealed that the best photocatalytic response was displayed by the doped ZnO thin film. All thin films' optical bandgaps were broad, and they generally decrease after more doping, it was possible to determine that the particles were elliptical and rod-shaped and that their diameters were on the order of micrometers. for both the doped and pure ZnO microparticles were seen to exist. The outcome shows that the produced microparticles' average grain diameter was determined to be (15,20.5,14.5) um, with noteworthy band gaps of 3.39,3.34 eV, and 3.08 eV, respectively.

Photodegradation of Tropaeolin O in the Presence of Ag-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles

Azo dyes such as Tropaeolin O have diverse applications in the textile, food, and biomedical industries. However, their recalcitrant properties make them toxic substances in surface waters. Nanocatalysts are photoactive nanoparticles that generate reactive oxygen species to destroy organic compounds. Moreover, the presence of dopant agents in the nanoparticles’ crystalline structure efficiently enhances photocatalytic activity. Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared in ethylene glycol at 197 °C and characterized by UV-Vis absorption, photoluminescence, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and electron diffraction (ED). The particles were mainly spherical with a size of ~10 nm, a hexagonal structure, and an elemental composition of 56.2% Zn, 37.8% O, and 5.9% Ag. The particles evidenced a broad absorption peak in the UV region and two emission peaks. Absorption analysis indicates that 92% and 58% of Tropaeolin O were degraded using 100 and 50 ppm of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles, respectively, during the first 550 min. Ion chromatograms selected using quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (QTOF-LC-MS) indicate a complete Tropaeolin O degradation (295.04 m/z) during the first 330 min. Initially, the nanocatalyst attacks the electron-rich groups (-OH and -NH), generating the 277.03 m/z [M-OH]+ and 174.02 m/z (molecule rupture on the azo group). In addition, small oxidized fragments 167.03 m/z and 114.03 m/z confirm the nanoparticles’ photocatalytic capacity, and oxidized chains indicate the tropaeolin’s opening rings (including phtalic acids) and mineralization.