Ag ZnO Research Articles

Darcy-Forchheimer flow of Ag–ZnO–CoFe2O4/H2O Casson ternary hybrid nanofluid induced by a rotatory disk with EMHD

This study comprehensively inspects the steady, three-dimensional electromagnetohydrodynamics Darcy-Forchheimer slip flow upon a Casson ternary hybrid nanofluid through a porous rotatory disk. The study plunges into the repercussions of key factors namely thermophoresis, chemical reaction, viscous dissipation, Brownian movement, thermal radiation, and activation energy attributes of the ternary hybrid nanofluid. The current endeavour is inspired by the flourishing requirement in several energy-related and industrial applications. A mathematical configuration is formed to express the fluid flow system and heat and nanoparticle mass transpiration processes. Then partial differential equations administrating our mathematical model, are reformed into ordinary differential equations with the assistance of specific similarity conversions and eventually interpreted numerically using the noteworthy bvp4c scheme. The consequences of discrete flow factors upon temperature, concentration, and velocity profiles and Nusselt number, skin friction’s coefficient, and Sherwood number are investigated. The achieved outcomes disclose the electric parameter aids in upgrading the tangential velocity and temperature profiles. The outcomes reveal that for Casson ternary hybrid nanofluid, the heat and mass transpiration rates elevate by 19.23% and 51.28%, respectively, compared to Casson nanofluid whereas skin friction coefficient is retrogressed by approximately 8.96% for Casson ternary hybrid nanofluid compared to ternary hybrid nanofluid.

Eco-friendly Synthesis of γ-Fe2 O3–Ag–ZnO Nanocomposite with Antibacterial and RhB Dye Degradation Properties Using Leaf Extract

In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye in an aqueous solution using ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3, [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3–ZnO, Ag–ZnO, and [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3–Ag–ZnO nanomaterials generated using poinciana leaf extract is presented. The nanomaterials were prepared utilizing environmentally friendly methods and poinciana leaf extract. The properties of the originally generated nanomaterials, analyzed through techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray, electron microscopy, and FE-SEM, have been described. The hexagonal structure of ZnO wurtzite was also discovered to align with the XRD findings. Additionally, EDX mapping was employed to analyze the composition of the [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3–Ag–ZnO nanocomposite. A topological investigation confirmed the roughness of the created nanostructures. Regarding the photocatalytic Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation studies, the [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3–Ag–ZnO nanocomposite demonstrated superior performance compared to pure ZnO in breaking down dye molecules under visible light exposure. Employing an ideal configuration of 1.0 g/L of photocatalyst, pH 10, and 10 ppm of RhB, an impressive photodegradation effectiveness of nearly 99% was achieved in just 45 min of light exposure. An analysis of reactive species was conducted to determine the photodegradation efficiency of [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3–Ag–ZnO. To investigate the impact of the microorganisms Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on the [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3–Ag–ZnO nanocomposite, the results indicated that the [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3–Ag–ZnO nanocomposite achieved a high rate of success in neutralizing and eradicating these bacteria.

Robust Biobased Membrane: Self-Entangled Cellulose Nanofibrils-ZnO-Ag Composite with High Photocatalytic Performance for Efficient Dye-Contaminated Water Treatment.

This study presents a simple and effective method for fabricating a porous photocatalyst composite membrane with excellent wet strength, utilizing cellulose nanofibril (CNF) and zinc oxide-silver (ZnO-Ag) nanorod (NRs) for treating dye-contaminated water. The self-standing CNF membrane with a high wet strength was prepared by NaOH treatment. Besides wet strength, NaOH treatment also controlled the pore characteristics of the CNF membrane, which could tightly attach NRs in them. The photocatalyst composite was prepared by simply drop-drying ZnO-Ag NRs onto the CNF membrane, ensuring attachment within the pores. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was evaluated for the degradation of the methylene blue dye under visible light. Despite the straightforward drop-drying method used to cast the ZnO-Ag NRs onto the CNF membrane, the NRs were not washed out when in contact with water, resulting in a composite that exhibited both high photocatalytic activity and high wet strength. This exceptional performance can be attributed to the tight attachment of the photocatalytic ZnO-Ag NRs to the porous structure of the CNF. Furthermore, the composite demonstrated satisfactory reusability, as no significant deterioration in the photocatalytic performance was observed even after being reused for three cycles. Given its simple preparation method, impressive photocatalytic performance, and durability, we expect that our composite will hold significant value for practical applications in wastewater treatment.

Thermoelectrically Driven Dual-Mechanism Regulation on SERS and Application Potential for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Viruses and Microplastics.

Electric-induced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (E-SERS) has been widely studied for its flexible regulation of SERS after the substrate is prepared. However, the enhancement effect is not sufficiently high in the E-SERS technology reported thus far, and no suitable field of application exists. In this study, a highly sensitive thermoelectrically induced SERS substrate, Ag/graphene/ZnO (AGZ), was fabricated using ZnO nanoarrays (NRs), graphene, and Ag nanoparticles (NPs). Applying a temperature gradient to the ZnO NRs enhanced the SERS signals of the probe molecules by a factor of approximately 20. Theoretical and experimental results showed that the thermoelectric potential enables the simultaneous modulation of the Fermi energy level of graphene and the plasma resonance peak of Ag NPs, resulting in a double enhancement in terms of physical and chemical mechanisms. The AGZ substrate was then combined with a mask to create a wearable thermoelectrically enhanced SERS mask for collecting SARS-CoV-2 viruses and microplastics. Its SERS signal can be enhanced by the temperature gradient created between a body heat source (∼37 °C) and a cold environment. The suitability of this method for virus detection was also examined using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen detection. This work offers new horizons for research of E-SERS, and its application potential for rapid detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and microplastics was also studied.

PVA–CS polymeric system conjugated with GO–ZnO–Ag2O ternary composite – a multifunctional nanocomposite for wound healing applications

PVA–CS polymeric matrix reinforced with GO–ZnO–Ag2O ternary nanocomposite resulting in an electroactive, antibacterial and cytocompatible polymer nanocomposite, ideal for wound healing applications.

Synthesis of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Polystichum lentum Extract for the Potential Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activities

The present research involves a green synthesis of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Polystichum lentum and a comparison of bioactivities. Phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins were present in the aqueous extract. The highest TPC and TFC were found in ethanol extract with 124.93 ± 9.36 mg GAE/g and 28.73 ± 1.98 mg QE/g. The formation of Ag and ZnO NPs was confirmed by the appearance of peaks at 421 nm and 362 nm in UV‐visible spectra. The involvement of plant secondary metabolites in nanoparticle synthesis was indicated by the shifts in peak positions and peak intensities in FTIR spectra. SEM and XRD analyses established spherical morphology (average size 61.33 ± 15.31 nm) and FCC crystal structure for Ag NPs and hexagonal to round morphology (average size 97.20 ± 12.92 nm) and hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure for ZnO NPs. EDX analysis revealed the elemental composition of nanoparticles. The IC50 values of 51.95 ± 3.11 and 83.79 ± 6.63 μg/mL for Ag NPs and ZnO NPs in the DPPH assay were significantly higher than 32.07 ± 1.03 and 6.53 ± 1.57 μg/mL for aqueous and methanol extracts. ZnO nanoparticles showed comparatively higher ZOI of 14 and 16 mm against Shigella sonnei and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It also displayed the lowest MIC and MBC of 3.125 and 6.25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The nanoparticles also exhibit potent cytotoxicity with IC50 of 76.82 ± 1.67 μg/mL against cervical cancer cell lines. Both nanoparticles and aqueous extract were mildly toxic towards the brine shrimp nauplii with the lowest LC50 being 661.80 ± 64.21 μg/mL for the aqueous extract. In conclusion, the findings of the present study demonstrate the high antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities in Ag and ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using an aqueous extract of Polystichum lentum.

Synthesis of ZnO–Ag Nanocomposites by Thermal Decomposition Method and Studies on their Antibacterial Activity Against E. coli and S. aureus

Synthesis of ZnO–Ag Nanocomposites by Thermal Decomposition Method and Studies on their Antibacterial Activity Against E. coli and S. aureus

Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Ag-ZnO Nanocomposite Using Aloe-vera, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Plants and Their Antibacterial and Anti-fungi Activities

The current study used extracts from the aloe vera (AV) plant and the hibiscus sabdariffa flower to make Ag-ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and Ag-ZnO nanocomposites (NCs). Ag/ZnO NCs were compared to Ag NPs and ZnO NPs. They exhibited unique properties against bacteria and fungi that aren't present in either of the individual parts. The Ag-ZnO NCs from AV showed the best performance against E. coli, with an inhibition zone of up to 27 mm, compared to the other samples. The maximum absorbance peaks were observed at 431 nm and 410 nm for Ag NPs, at 374 nm and 377 nm for ZnO NPs and at 384 nm and 391 nm for Ag-ZnO NCs using AV leaf extract and hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, respectively. Using field emission-scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM), the green synthesis of the shown NPs and NCs was found. The Ag NPs particle sizes ranged from 16.99 to 26.39 nm for AV and from 13.11 to 29.50 nm for hibiscus sabdariffa flowers, respectively. The particle size of ZnO NPs ranged from 23.04 to 32.58 nm and from 37.99 to 79.59 nm via AV and hibiscus sabdariffa flowers, respectively. Finally, the particle size of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite ranged from 22.39–40.05 nm and from 59.73–87.05 nm via the AV and hibiscus sabdariffa flowers, respectively.

Dual solutions for the two-dimension copper oxide with silver (CuO–Αg) and zinc oxide with silver (ΖnO–Αg) hybrid nanofluid flow past a permeable shrinking sheet in a dusty fluid with velocity slip

PurposeThis paper aims to present dual solutions for the two-dimension copper oxide with silver (CuO–Ag) and zinc oxide with silver (ZnO–Ag) hybrid nanofluid flow past a permeable shrinking sheet in a dusty fluid with velocity slip.Design/methodology/approachThe governing partial differential equations for the two dust particle phases are reduced to the pertinent ordinary differential equations using a similarity transformation. Closed-form analytical solutions for the reduced skin friction and reduced Nusselt number, as well as for the velocity and temperature profiles, were presented, both graphically and in tables, under specific non-dimensional physical parameters such as the suction parameter, Prandtl number, slip parameter and shrinking parameter, which are also presented in both figures and tables.FindingsThe results indicate that for the shrinking flow, the wall skin friction is higher in the dusty fluid when compared with the clear (viscous) fluid. In addition, the effect of the fluid–particle interaction parameter to the fluid phase can be seen more clearly in the shrinking flow. Furthermore, multiple (dual, upper and lower branch solutions) are found for the governing similarity equations and the upper branch solution expanded with higher values of the suction parameter. It can be confirmed that the lower branch solution is unstable.Practical implicationsIn practice, the study of the stretching/shrinking flow is crucially important and useful. Both the problems of steady and unsteady flow of a dusty fluid have a wide range of possible applications in practice, such as in the centrifugal separation of particles, sedimentation and underground disposal of radioactive waste materials.Originality/valueEven though the problem of dusty fluid has been broadly investigated, very limited results can be found for a shrinking sheet. Indeed, this paper has succeeded to obtain analytically dual solutions. The stability analysis can be performed by following many published papers on stretching/shrinking sheets. Finally, the critical values and plotting curves for obtaining single or dual solution are successfully presented.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver doped ZnO particles

Green Synthesis is a chemical-free, economic, efficient, eco-friendly, and less time-consuming technique for the production of various nanoparticles. In the present study, green synthesized silver doped ZnO particles are synthesized. Silver nanoparticles are synthesized using Neem leaves and Silver salt (Silver Nitrate, AgNo3). Leaves extract act as a reducing agent for this synthesis. EDAX confirms the formation of Ag nanoparticles and ZnO particles. ZnO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation method, zinc acetate dehydrate and sodium hydroxide was used as precursor material. The green synthesized Ag nanoparticles are doped with ZnO. The synthesized particles were then characterized through XRD and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The values of interplanar spacing and lattice parameters obtained were consistent with its standard values. The band gap of ZnO nanoparticles got reduced with doping Ag nanoparticles.

Facile biosynthesis of Ag–ZnO nanocomposites using Launaea cornuta leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity

The quest to synthesize safe, non-hazardous Ag–ZnO nanoomposites (NCs) with improved physical and chemical properties has necessitated green synthesis approaches. In this research, Launaea cornuta leaf extract was proposed for the green synthesis of Ag–ZnO NCs, wherein the leaf extract was used as a reducing and capping agent. The antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoomposites was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through the disc diffusion method. The influence of the synthesis temperature, pH, and precursor concentration on the synthesis of the Ag–ZnO NCs and antimicrobial efficacy were investigated. The nanoparticles were characterized by ATR-FTIR, XRD, UV–Vis, FESEM, and TEM. The FTIR results indicated the presence of secondary metabolites in Launaea cornuta which assisted the green synthesis of the nanoparticles. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of crystalline Ag–ZnO NCs with an average particle size of 21.51 nm. The SEM and TEM images indicated the synthesized nanoparticles to be spherical in shape. The optimum synthesis conditions for Ag–ZnO NCs were at 70 °C, pH of 7, and 8% silver. Antibacterial activity results show Ag–ZnO NCs to have higher microbial inhibition on E. coli than on S. aureus with the zones of inhibition of 21 ± 1.08 and 19.67 ± 0.47 mm, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that Launaea cornuta leaf extract can be used for the synthesis of Ag–ZnO NCs.

Ultrathin Self-Powered Heavy-Metal-Free Cu-In-Se Quantum Dot Photodetectors for Wearable Health Monitoring.

Mechanically deformable photodetectors (PDs) are key device components for wearable health monitoring systems based on photoplethysmography (PPG). Achieving high detectivity, fast response time, and an ultrathin form factor in the PD is highly needed for next-generation wearable PPG systems. Self-powered operation without a bulky power-supply unit is also beneficial for point-of-care application. Here, we propose ultrathin self-powered PDs using heavy-metal-free Cu-In-Se quantum dots (QDs), which enable high-performance wearable PPG systems. Although the light-absorbing QD layer is extremely thin (∼40 nm), the developed PD exhibits excellent performance (specific detectivity: 2.10 × 1012 Jones, linear dynamic range: 102 dB, and spectral range: 250-1050 nm at zero bias), which is comparable to that of conventional rigid QD-PDs employing thick Pb-chalcogenide QD layers. This is attributed to material and device strategies─materials that include Cu-In-Se QDs, a MoS2-nanosheet-blended poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) hole transport layer, a ZnO nanoparticle electron transport layer, Ag and ITO electrodes, and an ultrathin form factor (∼120 nm except the electrodes) that enable excellent mechanical deformability. These allow the successful application of QD-PDs to a wearable system for real-time PPG monitoring, expanding their potential in the field of mobile bioelectronics.

Exploration of In-vitro Antidiabetic Activity of ZnO NPs and Ag NPs Synthesized using Methanolic Extracts of Alpinia mutica and Tradescantia spathaeca Leaves

Diabetes might be cured with the use of medicinal herbs and environmentally friendly production of metallic nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and ZnO NPs. The methanolic leaf extracts of Alpinia mutica and Tradescantia spathaeca were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), respectively, for in-vitro evaluation. Methanolic leaf extracts of A. mutica and T. spathaeca were used to create AgNPs and ZnO NPs under ambient conditions using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Their ability to block alpha- and beta-amylase confirmed the in-vitro antidiabetic efficacy of methanolic leaf extract of plant (MLEP), AgNPs, and ZnO NPs. In this study, α- amylase activity of ZnO and nanoparticles of silver produced from natural sources will be evaluated in an effort to lessen the toxicity and negative effects of the inhibitor used to treat diabetes. Antidiabetic action was especially impressive in the ZnO and silver nanoparticles produced using methanolic extracts of A. mutica and T. spathaeca. Because of their promising in-vitro antidiabetic action with alpha-amylase activity, MLEP of A. mutica and T. spathaeca, AgNPs, and ZnO NPs show promise for future medical uses.

Eco-Friendly Green Synthesis and Photocatalyst Activity of Ag-ZnO Nanocomposite

The study successfully synthesized Ag NPs, ZnO NPs, and Ag/ZnO nanocomposites using an easy, cost effect and sustainable green synthetic approach. The purpose of synthesizing Ag/ZnO nanocomposites using two different plant extracts was to study their photo-degradation activity on Methylene Blue (MB) dye. (XRD) diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of Ag crystalline size and the wurtzite hexagonal structure of ZnO. (FE-SEM) results indicated spherical, nanorods and there is Clustering of NPs with an irregular shape. The resulting metal/semiconductor oxide nanocomposites possessed unique photo degradation characteristics that were absent in the individual Ag NPs and ZnO NPs.

In situ fabrication of Ag decorated porous ZnO photocatalyst via inorganic–organic hybrid transformation for degradation of organic pollutant and bacterial inactivation

In this study, in situ silver (Ag) - porous ZnO photocatalysts were synthesized via solvothermal and post-annealing treatment. The formation of the porous ZnO structure due to the removal of organic moieties from the inorganic–organic hybrids Ag-ZnS(en)0.5 during the annealing process. The optimal Ag–ZnO photocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic degradation activity, with 95.5% orange II dye and 97.2% bisphenol A (BPA) degradation under visible light conditions. Additionally, the photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) led to a 97% inactivation rate after 2 h under dark conditions. Trapping experiments suggest that the superoxide anion (▪O2−) radicals are the main active species to degrade the organic dye. The improved photocatalytic dye degradation activity and inactivation of bacteria were attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag and porous ZnO structure, increased surface area, and efficiently separated the photoexcited charge carriers. This work could provide an effective strategy for the synthesis of porous structures toward organic pollutant degradation and bacterial inactivation in wastewater.

Development of a novel flexible thin PWO(Er)/ZnO(Ag) nanocomposite for ionizing radiation sensing

Radiation dosimetry is an essential aspect of modern radiotherapy. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimetry is a promising technique that uses materials to measure radiation doses. However, current OSL dosimeters are limited in their ability to provide comprehensive validation of spatial dose distributions, particularly in flexibility radiation sensitivity. In this regard, a novel flexible PWO(Er)/ZnO(Ag) nanocomposite sensor has been developed by a solvothermal procedure and its ionization radiation responses were investigated under UV, proton, laser 980 nm, and 241Am sources. The calculated alpha detection efficiency showed that the prepared PWO(Er)/ZnO(Ag) sensor is highly sensitive to alpha radiation (99.6 %) with good stability/repeatability and linear response. According to the Photo/Ionoluminescence study, the doped dual nanocomposite sample showed the strongest blue, green, and yellow emissions at room temperature compared with pure and single doped samples with an exciton lifetime of τ = 143.30 ±0.07 μs. The XRD, FTIR, Raman, and EDX results indicated that the prepared pure and doped nanocomposites have two-phase compositions of PWO and ZnO and related chemical compounds/elements in the nanocomposite structure. The morphologies of the PWO and PWO(Er) nanoparticles (NPs) were mostly cubic and heterogeneous with average particle sizes of 125 and 82 nm. ZnO and ZnO(Ag) had hexagonal, spherical, and rod-shaped particles with typical particle diameters of 130 and 90 nm, respectively. Our results indicate the prepared luminescent nanocomposites are transparent, flexible, highly stable, highly sensitive to ionizing radiation, and have the potential for practical use in optoelectronics and medical imaging in the future.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Agents of Ag–ZnO Core-Shell Prepared by Micro-Jet Plasma Technique

Atmospheric pressure Micro-jet plasma technique is used in this study to create Ag–ZnO core/shell nanoparticles. Several different methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), confirmed the characterization of the synthesized Ag–ZnO core/shell nanoparticles. The pureness of these nanoparticles was validated by XRD analysis, which showed no peaks associated with secondary phases for Ag–ZnO. The synthesis of very pure Ag–ZnO core/shell nanoparticles was also verified by EDX analysis. To understand the high agglomeration rate, the surface morphology was studied by FE-SEM. The Ag–ZnO core/shell nanoparticles were measured to be between 20 and 60[Formula: see text]nm in size by transmission electron microscopy. Ag–ZnO core/shell nanoparticles showed energy band gaps of 3.22[Formula: see text]eV. After that, the antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoparticles was tested against two different types of Gram-positive bacteria [Formula: see text]Staphylococcus. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus[Formula: see text] and two different types of Gram-negative bacteria [Formula: see text]Klebsiella. pneumonia and Escherichia coli[Formula: see text] that were isolated from the oral cavity. Additionally, the antifungal activity of the prepared nanoparticles was tested against two different types of yeast [Formula: see text]Candida[Formula: see text]. Antimicrobial activity was shown by the Ag–ZnO nanoparticles produced using the micro-jet plasma method, and the findings suggested that these nanoparticles may be used to eliminate dangerous and harmful bacteria and fungi.

The use of ZnO NPs and Ag NPs along with sterilizing agents for managing contamination in banana tissue culture

The use of ZnO NPs and Ag NPs along with sterilizing agents for managing contamination in banana tissue culture

Morphological properties of ZnO nanostructures doped with Ag and Li for piezoelectric applications

The development of a facile method to obtain materials with piezoelectric properties, through a green synthesis, as an alternative to lead-free materials, was the main objective of this work. Piezo active materials were grown by chemical methods on two types of metal substrates: Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si and the Ti foil. Ag and Li-doped ZnO nanostructures were prepared by hydrothermal method at low temperature on metallic substrates which were previously covered with ZnO seed layer deposited by spin coating sol-gel method. The newly prepared materials were covered with a polymer layer and were morphological characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The piezoelectric properties were estimated by measuring the direct piezoelectric coefficient d33. The test results show that the doped ZnO nanostructures synthesized using a green route exhibit a piezoelectric response so the established method can be considered a promising approach for obtaining piezoelectric materials on large surfaces. Piezo active nanostructures could be of interest for integration into piezoelectric devices.

Template-free synthesis of hexagonal ZnO disk and ZnO–Ag composite as potential photocatalyst

Stable hexagonal ZnO disk and ZnO–Ag composites with various percentages of Ag contents were prepared through a simple, easily reproducible and template free path, assisted by hexamine. Here, centrifugation speed and calcination temperature played a crucial role to segregate hexagonal disks of ZnO exclusively from some unwanted morphologies. The impregnation of Ag nanoparticles on ZnO surface was established after modifying the surface with oleic acid. Oleic acid played the role of anchor to hold Ag nanoparticles site-selectively on ZnO surface. Pristine ZnO and the composite both were tested for their light induced activities towards methylene blue dye degradation. The performance indicated that an optimized amount of Ag nanoparticles on ZnO matrix could maximize the performance, beyond which activity was suppressed. All the samples were thoroughly characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm.