Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO/Ag Nanoparticles Fabricated by a Spray Pyrolysis Method with Different O2:N2 Carrier Gas Ratios and Ag Contents

Wastewaters of the textile industry, e.g., those generated in Gresik, Indonesia, are a possible threat to environment and should be treated before disposal. Photodegradation is more promising method overcome this problem than conventional methods such as biodegradation. ZnO widely used for photodegradation due its unique physical chemical properties stability. In study, Ag was loaded onto ZnO, which non-toxic inexpensive, can improve electron–hole separation, has significant catalytic potential. Pristine ZnO-Ag nanoparticles were fabricated by an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis system at different contents (1, 5, 10 wt%). The carrier gas ratio (O2:N2) also changed (1:0, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 0:1) examine effects on nanoparticle characteristics. characteristics examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission (TEM), Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) specific surface area. results interpreted relation under UV light irradiation. An increase activity compared with pristine observed 0:1 reaction rate constants 0.0059 0.0025 min−1, respectively.