Structures for photocatalysis based on ZnO with Ag nanoparticles

Dmitry G. Radaykin; Vyacheslav A. Moshnikov

doi:10.17308/kcmf.2025.27/12806

Dmitry G. Radaykin Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 5F Professor Popov st., Saint Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7125-9744
Vyacheslav A. Moshnikov Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 5F Professor Popov st., Saint Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6500-5492

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17308/kcmf.2025.27/12806

Keywords: Zinc oxide, Silver nanoparticles, Photocatalysis, Heterojunction, Ecology

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to establish the regularities of the deposited silver influence on the catalytic activity of zinc oxide. Silver nanoparticles make a promising component for improving the catalytic performance of semiconductor materials through the effect of plasmonics.

Experimental: The experimental part included synthesis of specimens with different silver content from 0.2 to 2 wt %. SEM images and AFM scans of the powders were obtained to characterize the specimen surface. EDX spectra and elemental mapping were obtained to analyze the composition. As a result, the uniform deposition of silver on the surface of zinc oxide and the agreement of the estimated composition with the obtained were confirmed. Сatalyst activity was evaluated by the degree of degradation of the organic dye Rhodamine 6G. The effect of deposited silver on ZnO surface was analyzed.

Conclusions: The deposition of 0.2 wt % silver increases the activity by 58 %, while addition of 2 wt % leads to an increase in activity by 92 %. According to the data obtained, a positive effect of deposited silver on the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide was found. Dependence of activity change on the amount of silver reaches saturation when 2 wt % of silver is reached.

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Author Biographies

Dmitry G. Radaykin, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 5F Professor Popov st., Saint Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation

postgraduate student of the Department of Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Saint Petersburg
Electrotechnical University “LETI” named after V. I. Ulyanov (Lenin) (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation)

Vyacheslav A. Moshnikov, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, 5F Professor Popov st., Saint Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation

Dr. Sci. (Phys.–Math.), Professor, Department of Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” named after V. I. Ulyanov (Lenin) (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation)

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