Ag/ZnO-C nanocomposite-preparation and photocatalytic properties

In this present study, Ag-hybridized ZnO was prepared through a powder-sol method first, then Ag/ZnO-AC (activated carbon) composite was synthesized by a adsorption method using Ag/ZnO and AC as precursors. The structure and morphology of as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), Raman spectra, and diffuse reflectance absorption spectra, respectively. The photocatalytic performances of the prepared catalysts were investigated by photocatalystic degradation of methyl orange. The influences of initial pH value, initial dye concentration and the calcination temperature on the photocatalytic activity of the catalysts were investigated and the results were discussed. Comparing with pure ZnO and ZnO-AC, Ag/ZnO-AC composite showed greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity. The results demonstrate that the hybridization of silver, activated carbon and ZnO can significantly improve the photocatalytic activity of ZnO. This work could provide new insights into the fabrication of noble metal/ZnO-carbon based composites and facilitate their application in environmental protection issues.