Silver nanoparticles decorated zinc oxide nanorods supported catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol

Visible light absorption enhanced silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) decorated zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were synthesized using microwave-assisted growth method and utilized as supported catalysts in degradation of pharmaceutical compound. The optimal concentration of silver nitrate precursor and annealing temperature for synthesized ZnO-Ag catalysts were investigated. Different concentrations (5-20 ppm) of paracetamol were used as test contaminant in photocatalytic degradation process. The highest photocatalytic degradation (92%) of 5 ppm paracetamol was achieved for ZnO-Ag in comparison to (54%) degradation for pristine ZnO after 4 h visible light irradiation. The stability of ZnO-Ag catalyst was also investigated. The degradation performance decreased only 2% for ZnO-Ag and 24% for pristine ZnO using 5 ppm paracetamol after four repeated cycles showing high ZnO-Ag stability. Enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO-Ag catalyst was due to efficient charge separation as well as visible light absorption and reduced recombination of electron and hole.