Facile synthesis of Ag-ZnO core-shell nanostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Ag-ZnO core-shell nanostructure (CSNS) was prepared via a facile wet chemical approach. Formation was certified by various characterization techniques. The surface plasmon band of Ag-ZnO CSNS was red-shifted. Photoluminescence quenching for Ag-ZnO CSNS was attributed to improved charge separation. Ag-ZnO CSNS exhibited similar to 6 times higher photocatalytic activity than pristine ZnO and similar to 4 times higher than TiO2 (P25). Such enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to synergistic effect, more charge separation, and higher surface area. Ag-ZnO CSNS also showed excellent photostability and reusability. Photocatalytic mechanism was discussed based on major reactive oxidative species such as center dot OH and center dot O-2(-). (C) 2017 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.