Synthesizing Ag2Ox(3 wt%)-loaded ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts for efficiently saving polluted aquatic ecosystems

Herein, we report an Ag2Ox (3 wt%)-loaded ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts synthesized by co-precipitation and incipient wet impregnation approach for acetamiprid degradation, antibacterial, antioxidant, and toxicity assay. Initially, bare ZnFe2O4 nanostructures were made through a simple co-precipitation method. In the second step, 3 wt% of various transition metal oxides (CuOx, ZrOx, and Ag2Ox) were embedded on the surface of ZnFe2O4 photo -catalysts via a wet impregnation method. Further, the prepared photocatalysts were systematically characterized using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, BET, HRTEM, and XPS analysis. The optimum Ag2Ox (3 wt%)-loaded ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts revealed higher degradation efficiencies for acetamiprid under sunlight irradiation. Additionally, the Ag2Ox (3 wt%)-loaded ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts showed more effective antioxidant and antibacterial activity than blank and bare ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials. The enriched catalytic efficiency can be accredited to the 3 wt% of Ag2Ox NPs loaded on ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials, possibly due to the boosted transport properties of the electron -hole pairs. This study will provide a new avenue for the development of simple and effective photocatalysts for efficiently saving polluted aquatic ecosystems.

Automated summary

In this study, Ag2Ox (3 wt%)-loaded ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts were synthesized for acetamiprid degradation, antibacterial, antioxidant, and toxicity assay by co-precipitation and incipient wet impregnation approach. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized and the optimum Ag2Ox (3 wt%)-loaded ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts demonstrated higher degradation efficiency for acetamiprid under sunlight irradiation. They also showed improved antioxidant and antibacterial activity compared to blank and bare ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials. The enhanced catalytic efficiency can be attributed to the loaded Ag2Ox NPs on ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials.