Ag sensitized ZnO/SnO2 heterostructures for photocatalytic decontamination of water

In the present work, ZnO/SnO2 is sensitized using Ag to improve the photocatalytic properties. To uncover the chemical state, phases, and morphology, samples are characterized using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), and UV–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS) techniques. The XRD and HRTEM showed good crystallinity of samples and the presence of the desired component, respectively. The uniform dispersion of Ag nanoparticles is confirmed by the FESEM analysis and the EDX study confirms the presence of Ag, Zn, Sn, and O. The XPS analysis showed that all the components are present in the desired ionic state. The sample containing 7 wt% silver content showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency against both the pollutants and complete degradation of dye and pesticide is achieved in 100 min and 45 min, respectively. The excellent performance of Ag@ZnO/SnO2 nanomaterials is attributed to the surface plasmon effect and charge transfer between the semiconductors. The synthesized materials will be useful in the development of a cost-effective water purification system.