Enhancement of photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles by silver doping with optimization of photodeposition method parameters

Silver doped ZnO have been prepared by photodeposition (PD) method. The photocatalytic activity of silver doped ZnO was tested by photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Acid Red 88 (AR88) as a model contaminant from monoazo textile dyes. Results show silver doped ZnO is more efficient than undoped ZnO at photocatalytic degradation of AR88. The PD method parameters such as irradiation time, calcination temperature and doping content of silver are effective on the photoactivity of silver doped ZnO. Silver content has an optimum value 0.5% for achieving high photocatalytic activity.

Keywords:

Heterogeneous photocatalysis , UV/ZnO , Silver doping , Photodeposition method , C.I. Acid Red 88