Serendipitous Synthesis of Ag1.92Mo3O10•H2O Nanowires from AgNO3-Assisted Etching of Ammonium Phosphomolybdate: A Material with High Adsorption Capacity

Ultralong Ag1.92Mo3O10 center dot H2O nanowires have been serendipitously obtained due to selective etching of ammonium phosphomolybdate (APM) only by Ag+ ions in water under stirring conditions. The spherical yellow APM particle upon etching by Ag+ ions generates a hollow sphere, and PO43- ions are expelled as a consequence of etching. The etching and hollowing disrupt the APM structure. Concentration of the etching agent and reaction time are crucial for the formation of Ag1.92Mo3O10 center dot H2O nanowire. The growth of nanowires occurs probably due to etching followed by Ostwald ripening, oriented attachment, and splitting process. Finally, the as-synthesized nanowire exhibits a high capacity to adsorb cationic dyes on its surface. It shows superb adsorption properties, with maximum adsorption capacity of 110 mg g(1), 175 mg g(1), 160 mg g(1) for Methylene Blue, Methyl Green, Crystal Violet, respectively. Moreover, the adsorption process of Methylene Blue on the nanomaterial was investigated taking it as a representative adsorbate. The selective adsorption capability of the nanomaterial toward cationic dye molecules makes it a competent candidate for water purification.