Ag Composites Research Articles

Microalgae-enhanced bioremediation of Cr(VI) ions using spent coffee ground-derived magnetic biochar MoS2–Ag composites

Composites of magnetic biochar derived from spent coffee grounds were prepared using MoS2 decorated by plasmonic silver nanoparticles (MoS2–Ag), which were used for the bioremediation Cr6+ ions. The composites were characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The bioremediation of Cr6+ ions was enhanced almost two times compared to microalgae, Spirulina maxima. Such an increased activity is attributed to heterojunction formation of Biochar@MoS2–Ag composite due to the synergetic effects of surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs inducing amplified local electric field, thus simultaneously increasing the absorption of MoS2 under visible or near-infrared light. The combination of Biochar@MoS2–Ag and Spirulina maxima powder was effective for the separation (microalga-based absorption and accumulation of Cr6+ ions) of photo-induced carriers (composite-assisted to breakdown Cr6+ ions). This study offers efficient eco-friendly treatment of Cr6+ ions by reporting the first enhanced bioremediation of Cr(VI) ions by microalgae using MoS2–Ag-modified biochar obtained from consumed coffee grounds.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of Ti3C2 MXene via a copper and silver nitrate mixed solution etching process with minimal fluorine

This work presents a novel method for synthesizing 2D Ti3C2 MXene using nitrate solution instead of hydrofluoric acid. The process involves using mixed solutions of Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 to etch the Al layers of Ti3AlC2 by metal displacement reaction at room temperature, resulting in accordion-like Ti3C2 nanosheets. The obtained Ti3C2@Cu&Ag composite was evaluated as a supercapacitor working electrode. The ratio of Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 was found to affect the morphology and electrochemical performance of the composite. The highest specific capacitance of 1047.5 F/g at 1 A/g in 6 M KOH was achieved with a 1:1 ratio of Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 due to the synergistic effect between Cu/Ag and Ti3C2 matrix, resulting in a higher capacity than that of the pure Ti3C2 electrode. Additionally, this research provides a simple and effective procedure to synthesize various MXene-based materials for advanced electrochemical applications.

Investigation of zinc-silver alloys as biodegradable metals for orthopedic applications

Biodegradable zinc (Zn) alloys are promising implant materials to restore bone defects in orthopedics. Adding silver (Ag) to Zn not only enhances its mechanical properties but also improves its antibacterial properties. However, the regular pattern of Ag composition on the properties of Zn-xAg alloys remains unclear. In this paper, Zn-Ag alloys with different Ag contents ranging from 0.5 to 6.0% were prepared by casting process and were systematically investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanical tests suggest that the increase of Ag content enhanced the yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), Vickers hardness, and elongation. Compared with pure Zn, the maximum YS, UTS, Vickers hardness, and elongation were achieved at Zn-6Ag, which were increased by 267%, 295%, 115%, and 172%, respectively. The degradation rate increased and the antibacterial properties were enhanced accordingly. All 25% and most 50% extracts of Zn-Ag alloys significantly promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, except for 50% Zn-6Ag extracts showing cytotoxicity. In the rat femoral condyle model, Zn-2Ag and Zn-4Ag alloys exhibited enhanced osteogenic performance at the early stage of implantation compared with pure Zn. Zn-Ag alloys (especially Zn-2Ag and Zn-4Ag) are identified as promising bone repair materials.

Super-high interface adhesion through silver/polyimide heterojunction

Metallized polymer film is becoming increasingly common in cutting-edge technology fields, and interface adhesion is the key factor affecting service performance. In this article, we used all-wet process to prepare Ag/Polyimide composite film with ultra-high interface adhesion (Over 25 N/cm). The influence of etching and reduction on interface adhesion was analyzed using central composite experiments and response surface methodology. Microcracks on polyimide (PI) surface were the basis for the formation of mechanical interlocks. And combined with SEM, EDS, and XPS data, the effect of Ag structure and composition on interface adhesion during reduction was summarized. The role of Ag aggregations at interface was explained, and concluded the detachment of Ag aggregations during peeling and high temperature was the main reason of failure. RFID tag, Circuit, and Cu/Ag/PI film (Resistivity: 9.3 × 10−6 Ω·cm) were made, which confirmed the compatibility and usability of Ag/PI film.

STUDY OF THE FUNGICIDAL PROPERTIES OF OZONE TREATMENT, Ag AND Cu NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR COMBINED ACTION ON THE MODEL OF SANITARY SIGNIFICANT MOLD SAPROPHYTE ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS

A study was conducted to determine the fungicidal activity of a sanitary contaminant of feeds – representatives of the genus Aspergillus Mich. – species of Aspergillus flavus using the ozone treatment method, treatment with the composition of Ag and Cu nanoparticles and the combined effect of these methods. When studying the combined effect of ozone, NPAg and NPCu, it was found that at the concentration ratio of 100:100 μg/cm3, there was a fungicidal effect on museum strains of Aspergillus flavus test cultures, i.e., the combination with ozone enhanced the antifungal properties of nanocomplex.

Tandem catalytic hydrogen gas generation and reduction of nitro aromatic derivatives via hydrolysis of ammonia borane over Ag NPs@ZIF-8 nanocomposites in aqueous media

In this research, three composites composed of ZIF-8 metal–organic framework and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with different mole ratios were successfully synthesized. The fabricated Ag NPs@ZIF-8 composites were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The composite Ag NPs@ZIF-8 (1:1 mol ratio) was also characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Catalytic activity of the Ag NPs@ZIF-8 composites in tandem hydrogen generation from ammonia borane (H3N-BH3) and reduction of nitro-aromatic derivatives was investigated in one-pot reactions. The rate of evaluated H2 gas from the hydrolysis of H3N-BH3 by the Ag NPs@ZIF-8 (1:1) composite was measured to be about 198.9 (mL/g−1.min−1) in these catalytic reactions. Various derivatives of nitro compounds, including electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups were converted to the corresponding amines with excellent yields by this catalytic system in less than one hour.

Coral-like, self-assembled, and spatially bounded Ag nano-particles on franzinite zeolite composite sensor toward accurate, synergetic, and ultra-trace sulfadiazine detection

A coral-like Ag@FRA zeolite nanocomposite sensor reveals high sensitivity toward sulfadiazine (SDZ) in a dual detection of fluorescence and electrochemistry. The sensor has been as-synthesized in the hydrothermal condition through a one-pot self-assembly process in which the high crystalline Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are closely arranged and stacked on the nanosized surface cage window of the FRA (Franzinite) zeolite. Strong ultrasound can drive the coral-like composite release Ag nanoparticles whose distribution range mainly from 10 to 12 nm lead to the purple fluorescence in an emission spectrum. In sea water, the fluorescence increases linearly in the SDZ concentration range of 5 × 10−18-5 × 10−10 M. Furthermore, the LOD (limit of detection) reaches 1.4 × 10−22 M by the spatial confinement effect of the coral-liked FRA cage structure in CV (cyclic voltammetry) method at the characteristic potential peak position of 0.1 V vs. SCE. The theoretical calculation also confirms that the FRA cage structure matches well with the SDZ molecules. Further studies indicate the generation of a novel stable composite sensor with high specificity, good recovery and repeatability, which depends on the induction of silver ions upon the artificial synthesis of FRA.

Enhancement of physicochemical characterization of nanocomposites on Ag+/Fe2+ codoped hydroxyapatite for antibacterial and anticancer properties

The synthesis of nanosized Ag+/Fe2+ codoped hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocomposite materials with antibacterial and anticancer characteristics is highly attractive for advancing the development of biological applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anticancer characteristics of Ag+/Fe2+ codoped hydroxyapatite materials. We developed a facile chemical precipitation method for the fabrication of Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposites. The developed Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposite materials were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For measuring the size of Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposites, dynamic light scattering (DLS) is an advantageous method. The chemical states and chemical composition of Ag+/Fe2+:HAp were observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. In addition, the antibacterial efficacy of Ag+/Fe2+:HAps against Gram-positive (S.aureus), and Gram-negative (S.typhi, and E.Coli) microorganisms is examined in this current study. Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposite materials have been evaluated for biological toxicity in vitro, and the results showed that the particles were excellent at identifying and killing cancer cells. In this respect, Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposites significantly impact human colon cancer cells (HT29) while have no effect on normal fibroblast cells (L929).

Preparation, characterization and densification studies of W-Ag nanocomposites produced by chemical route

W-Ag has applications in a wide range of cutting-edge fields, counting heat sinks and microwave absorbers for micro—electronic components, electric arc ends, and filaments for welding processes, electrical contacts, and durable electronic connections. Chemical methods provide a number of benefits, including improved purity, and controlled particle size. The present study focused on the fabrication of W-Ag nano composites using chemical synthesis. W-Ag nanocomposites with average size less than 50 nm were synthesized using Tungsten hexacarbonyl (W(CO)6, and silver acetate (CH3-COOAg) as metal precursors in the present study. The W-Ag composites were sintered using conventional sintering. X-ray diffraction studies of as-prepared powders showed amorphous W-phase and FCC Ag, while sintered W-Ag composites exhibited crystalline BCC W and FCC Ag phase. The effect of sintering temperature on relative density and mechanical properties of W-Ag sintered compacts was investigated. Relative density in excess of 97.6%, 98.2% and 98.8% was achieved for W-20.3 wt.% Ag, W-30.1 wt.% Ag and W-39.8 wt.% Ag composites on conventional sintering at 1000°C for 1 h. Vickers hardness of 364 ± 10 and 320 ± 8 Hv and 279 ± 6 were achieved for W-20.3 wt.% Ag, W-30.1 wt.% Ag and W-39.8 wt.% Ag composite compacts respectively. The hardness value of W-Ag composites decreased with an increase in Ag content. The combination of properties realized in this study renders the composites suitable for automotive and heat sink applications.

Photocatalytic Activity and Biocide Properties of Ag-TiO2 Composites on Cotton Fabrics.

Composites of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized in situ on cotton fabrics using sonochemical and solvothermal methods achieving the successive formation of Ag-NPs and Ti-NPs directly on the fabric. The impregnated fabrics were characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; high-resolution microscopy (HREM); scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS); Raman, photoluminescence, UV-Vis, and DRS spectroscopies; and by tensile tension tests. Results showed the successful formation and impregnation of NPs on the cotton fabric, with negligible leaching of NPs after several washing cycles. The photocatalytic activity of supported NPs was assessed by the degradation of methyl blue dye (MB) under solar and UV irradiation revealing improved photocatalytic activity of the Ag-TiO2/cotton composites due to a synergy of both Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles. This behavior is attributed to a diminished electron-hole recombination effect in the Ag-TiO2/cotton samples. The biocide activity of these composites on the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram+) and Escherichia coli (Gram-) was confirmed, revealing interesting possibilities for the utilization of the functionalized cotton fabric as protective cloth for medical applications.

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.

Silver ions-regulated two-stage photoluminescence transformations of glutathione-capped gold nanoclusters from near-infrared (NIR) to visible region: Anti-galvanic reaction and Ag deposition

In the present study, glutathione-capped gold nanoclusters (AuNCs@GSH) were prepared by an improved hydrothermal method, which showed near-infrared (NIR) emission centered at 805 nm. Besides, Ag+ can induce the NIR emission transformations in a two-stage mode under different concentration ranges of Ag+. At the first stage (0.50–15 μM), a new emission at 615 nm was generated while the original NIR emission was quenched upon Ag+ addition; at the second stage (15–120 μM), it shifted to 720 nm gradually along with more Ag+ addition, which realized precise regulation of the emission range of metal nanoclusters from red to NIR region. The in-depth mechanism investigation revealed the transformations in both stages originated from the anti-galvanic reaction (AGR) of AuNCs toward Ag+ and Ag deposition. In detail, the first stage was attributed to the formation of bimetallic gold and silver nanoclusters (Au-AgNCs); while the second stage ascribed to the Ag deposition-induced size growth and composition changes of Au-AgNCs. Therefore, the present study supplies a simple and rapid method for preparing NIR-emitted AuNCs and provides a facile approach to regulate the photoluminescence ranges based on the AGR and Ag deposition.

Effect of in-situ phase transition of (MgCoNiCuZn)O high-entropy oxides on microstructure and performance of Ag-based electrical contact materials

Reducing arc corrosion on the surface of electrical contact is beneficial for the stability of electrical systems. For improving the anti-arc erosion performance of composites, a reinforcement with good arc extinction and thermal stability is still a need. In this work, by annealing the as-prepared single-phase (MgCoNiCuZn)O high-entropy oxides (SHEO) reinforced Ag composites at 700 °C, the reinforcement was in-situ transformed in multi-phase (MgCoNiCuZn)O high-entropy oxides (MHEO) consisting of ZnCo2O4, CuO, and non-equiatomic (MgCoNiCuZn)O high-entropy oxides (NHEO). In this process, a semi-coherent interface is formed between CuO (firstly precipitated) and NHEO, and a coherent interface is formed between ZnCo2O4 (secondary precipitated) and NHEO. During arcing, the endothermic phase transformation from MHEO to SHEO reduced arc energy. A comparative study of the composites was carried out with 12 wt% reinforcement. Ag-MHEO possessed exceeded hardness than that of Ag-SnO2 and electrical conductivity similar to Ag-SnO2. Under the DC load of 24 V/8A, Ag-MHEO exhibited 60% less mass loss and 26% less burning arc energy than Ag-SnO2In2O3 during 10,000 times contacts. Compare with Ag-SHEO and Ag-SnO2In2O3, the arc corrosion on Ag-MHEO surface was the weakest after the mentioned contact. This study paves a feasible way to improve anti-arc erosion performance by in-situ reversible endothermic phase transformation.

Microwave Dielectric Properties of CaB2O4-CaSiO3 System for LTCC Applications

A novel composite ceramic with low densification temperature was fabricated using the conventional solid-state method. The XRD and Rietveld refinement results indicated that the two phases of CaB2O4 and CaSiO3 can coexist in all compositions. Furthermore, a phase transition of CaSiO3 ceramic from α-phase to β-phase was observed. A dense ceramic with excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr~6.4, Q × f~75,600 GHz, and a negative τf~26.9 ppm/°C) was obtained at x = 0.5 when sintered at 925 °C at the frequency of 14.2 GHz. A good chemical compatibility between the composite ceramic and Ag electrode was improved by elemental mapping results. A patch antenna was fabricated based on the simulated result. All results indicated that the 0.5 CaB2O4 + 0.5 CaSiO3 ceramic has large application potential in the LTCC field.

Surface Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with Polystyrene Sulfonic Acid Brushes to Fabricate Hierarchical Ag and Au Microstructures as SERS Substrates

AbstractIn this work, we reported the spontaneous growth of Ag and Au microstructures on the surface of the graphene oxide‐grafted‐polystyrene sulfonic acid brushes (GO‐g‐PSSA) in Ag(NH3)2OH solution and HAuCl4 solution, respectively. The influences of reaction time and temperature on the morphology and size of Ag (Au) particles were investigated. By optimizing reaction conditions, Ag nanosheet‐assembled microstructures and sea urchin‐like Au microspheres were obtained. These hierarchical Ag (Au) microstructures with highly nanotextured topographies could provide many “hot spots” for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The as‐prepared GO‐g‐PSSA/Ag (Au) composites exhibited excellent SERS performances using Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the probe molecules and the detection limit of R6G was up to 10−12 m.

Tourmaline occurrence and gold mineralization at a granitoid-metasediment contact in the Upper Lom Basin, east Cameroon

Gold mineralization of the Upper Lom Basin in the eastern Cameroon goldfield is spatially associated with tourmaline. The goldfield belongs to the Adamawa-Yadé Domain of the Central African Fold Belt and is characterized by eluvial, alluvial and lode gold deposits of Pan-African age. This paper examines the chemistry and morphology of saprock gold and its link with tourmaline in the host rock. Tourmaline chemistry was obtained using the electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) technique while gold grains were examined for morphology and microchemistry using the EMPA equipped with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrum instruments. The tourmaline compositional data plot in the dravite field, and belongs to the alkali group showing major element variations that are typical of tourmaline associated with granite-related orogenic gold deposits common along shear zones. Gold alloy composition (Ag, Cu) suggests multiple gold precipitation events due to episodic fluid influx, with a range of 572–1000 gold fineness. We infer that tourmaline development and gold deposition were coeval within the aureole around the pluton and involved reduced hydrothermal fluids with low salinity. The high δ11B in the tourmaline also points to fluid derivation from the Pan African granitic basement widely recognized to be fertile in gold in eastern Cameroon. Tourmaline textural-chemical features such as low Na content and gold microchemistry point to granite-related hydrothermal style of primary gold mineralization, and has implications for exploration as tourmaline-rich rocks in the vicinity of the felsic plutons in the Lom Basin would be optimal target areas for future exploration.

Synthesis, optimization, and characterization of silver/gold allied bimetallic from Hippeastrum hybridum (L.) and their ex vivo anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity in rat brain

Nanotechnology, a modern technique, is apprehensive for small‐size nanoparticle (NP) generation via superficial, straightforward, and pharmaceutically modes. The main aim of the current research was to project the development of a green justifiable method to synthesize Ag/Au bimetallic NPs (BNPs) via Hippeastrum hybridum (HH) extract and then to use these BNPs as rat brain anti‐acetylcholinesterase (anti‐AChE) in ex vivo mode. According to the current results, BNPs exhibited a sharp peak of 542 nm when characterized by ultravioet (UV)–visible spectroscopy; Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis exhibited peaks, which confirmed the existence of various phytochemicals in HH plant extract; X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystal BNPs 8.34 nm mean size; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that BNPs had a square shape with 20‐nm nanomeasures calculated sizes; and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirmed Ag and Au composition, which was reported to be 12% and 38.26%, respectively. Moreover, the anti‐AChE potential of BNPs was also tested to cure Alzheimer's disease (AD). An excellent anti‐AChE activity was exhibited by BNPs in which AChE exhibited 31 ± 0.22% activity at 150‐μg concentration of BNPs with 103 ± 0.42 μg IC50. Statistical analysis exhibited that BNPs inhibit AChE noncompetitively, Km remain constant, whereas Vmax decreased from 7.24 to 6.1 (18.23% to 31.11%). Ag/Au BNPs do not affect KIapp, while increasing Vmaxiapp from 11.07 to 16 (17.39% to 67.4%). The Km, Ki, and KI were described to be 0.024 mM, 169 μg, and 91 μg, respectively. So, it is concluded that small‐size, stable, potent Ag/Au BNPs were synthesized from HH extract, and consequently, these BNPs significantly inhibit AChE activity in rat brain homogenate and thus prove to be a significant remedy in the treatment of AD.

Dual doping effect of Ag+ & Al3+ on the structural, optical, photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoparticles

ZnO nanoparticles with the size ∼ 20 nm to 40 nm were prepared by dual doping of Ag+ and Al3+ ions using a microwave-assisted chemical synthesis technique. The composition of Ag is fixed as 2 at.% and Al is varied from 0 to 6 at.%. The prepared ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, EDS, XPS, FT-IR, Raman spectra, UV- visible spectra and photocatalytic studies. XRD results confirmed the crystallinity and hexagonal wurtzite structure of Ag+ and Al3+-doped ZnO nanoparticles. It is observed that the increase of the Al dopant ratio reduced the crystallite size. EDS and FT-IR data supported the purity of samples. The optical band gap values showed a blue shift (3.54 eV to 3.89 eV) as the Al doping ratio increased. The blue shift is discussed in terms of the doping process and induced some transitions on inter bands. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples was monitored using Methylene Blue dye. The low absorbance and high degradation efficiency were obtained for the high-doping concentration of Al on all irradiation times. The leaching study shows no catalyst leaching into the reaction medium.

MIL-125(Ti) derived Ag doped tablet-like TiO2@carbon composites as efficient photocatalyst for degradation of rhodamine B

Recently, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has been widely studied and used as a catalyst in various fields, due to its high specific surface area, tunable channels and excellent thermal and chemical stability. In this paper, MIL-125(Ti) was used as a precursor to fabricate Ag doped tablet-like TiO2@carbon composites (Ag–TiO2@carbon) and used as catalyst for degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). The influence of Ag doping on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2@carbon has been explored. All samples were well characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results show that MIL-125(Ti) was completely transformed into TiO2@carbon when it was calcined at 600 ​°C for 2 ​h under Ar atmosphere, and Ag was well loaded onto TiO2@carbon. The photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2@carbon is 92.46%. When TiO2@carbon was doped with Ag (Ag–TiO2@carbon), its photocatalytic efficiency was highly improved to 98.85%. Furthermore, Ag/TiO2@carbon exhibited high photocatalytic stability. After five repeated cycles, the photocatalytic activity of Ag–TiO2@carbon was highly retained at 95.58%.

Boosting photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants on Z-scheme carbon nitride / Ag3PO4 / Ag composites by coupling with carbon nanotubes

ABSTRACT The present study reports the development of ternary and quaternary carbon nitride (CN) based nanocomposites through the coupling of CN with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), Ag3PO4 (AP) and Ag nanoparticles (NP). A facile wet-chemistry process was developed for the synthesis of the composites. The prepared materials were characterised using XRD, ATR, DR-UV-Vis, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and EPR. Photocatalytic dye degradation (rhodamine b, RhB) is greatly improved in composite materials. The most active photocatalyst was the quaternary composite bearing SWCNTs, Ag3PO4 and Ag NP, that presented a 2- and a 3-fold increase in photoactivity compared with the CN functionalised only with SWCNTs and the pure CN, respectively. The enhanced activity is associated with improvements in several important materials properties. Adsorption in the visible light is improved by the presence of Ag3PO4 and Ag NP. The latter provided plasmon resonance effects, absorbing light up to 700 nm. The presence of SWCNTs reduced charge recombination phenomena reducing by half the PL intensity. In addition, charge availability was further increased due to the formation of heterojunctions through the coupling of CN with Ag3PO4 and Ag NP. The PL intensity of the ternary composite was reduced to 1% of the pure CN PL intensity. In-situ EPR spectroscopy using spin-traps revealed the formation of superoxide anion radicals ( O 2 ∙ − ) that provide evidence for charge transfer via a Z-scheme mechanism. O 2 ∙ − production was enhanced 8.5 times in the ternary composite compared with the pure CN. The importance of the stepwise functionalization of CN through the formation of ternary and quaternary composites towards the development of advanced photoactive materials is highlighted herein.