DESIGN AND GREEN SYNTHESIS OF ZNO-AG-GO NANOHYBRIDS FOR IMPROVED PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY

Abstract

This project focus on ZnO–Ag–GO nanocomposites as photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. We critically evaluate the synthesis, characterization, and mechanism of ZnO, Ag, and graphene oxide (GO). Detailed X-ray diffraction (XRD) and visible light analyses are presented to confirm crystal structures, phase purity, band gap energies, and optical absorption. Representative data (e.g. XRD patterns showing ZnO and Ag peaks, visible light(sunlight) (illustrating pollutant degradation) are interpreted in depth. The photocatalytic performance using semiconductor materials is a promising, clean, and energyefficient technique for degrading pollutants (eg: methylene blue (MB), methy orange (MO), rhodamine b(RHB). Zno -absorb uv light and get photo excited electron hole pair, these initiate chemical reaction that break down pollutant like dyes into harmless product, zno has a wide band gap (3.3ev) which allows it to be highly effective under uv light AGnanoparticles extends the light absorption into the visible light range through (surface plasmon resonance) SPR making the system work better under sunlight, ag act as an electron trap accepting electron from zno which preventing recombination and allows more time for oxidation/reduction reaction to degrade pollutant, it increases the life span of charge carrier & enhance degradation performance. GO-improve light absorption of the composite and making it more effective under sunlight, it has a high surface area that help in better dispersion of zno and ag nanoparticles. Go has a functional group like (-OH, - COOH) that can absorb organic dyes or pollutants effectively. The optimized nanocomposite achieves over 90% degradation within a short reaction time, confirming the synergistic interaction among the three components. This work contributes to the development of green and scalable solutions for treating wastewater and managing industrial pollutants.