DOI: 10.5061/dryad.5qfttdzh0
title: Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using zinc oxide/silver nanowire nanocomposite films under UV irradiation

description: Water pollution from industrial and household waste presents significant
 environmental challenges, particularly owing to the widespread use and
 toxicity of organic dyes, such as rhodamine B. This study involves the
 investigation of the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using
 composite films made of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver nanowires (AgNWs)
 under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. ZnO is recognized for its excellent
 photocatalytic properties, while AgNWs are known to enhance electron
 mobility and generate reactive oxygen species, leading to improved
 photocatalytic efficiency. The ZnO/AgNW composite films were synthesized
 by a sol-gel method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and
 energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results of this study
 demonstrate that the proposed composite films achieve 90% degradation
 efficiency of rhodamine B within 40 min of UV exposure, which is a
 significant improvement over the performance of traditional ZnO
 photocatalysts. These findings highlight the potential of the ZnO/AgNW
 nanocomposites as simple, efficient, and reusable solutions for water
 purification and environmental monitoring applications.
description: # Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using zinc oxide/silver
 nanowire nanocomposite films under UV irradiation
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5qfttdzh0](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5qfttdzh0) ## Description of the data and file structure This dataset encompasses experimental data focused on the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using ZnO and ZnO/AgNW (zinc oxide/silver nanowire) composite materials under UV irradiation. The data include the following: * **Figure 6:** UV-Vis absorption spectra of ZnO and ZnO/AgNW composite materials measured in the wavelength range of 500–600 nm, highlighting the optical properties of the materials. * **Figure 7:** (a) UV-Vis absorption spectra of rhodamine B after photocatalysis by ZnO and ZnO/AgNW composite under UV irradiation at 365 nm for 40 minutes compared to the initial reference value. (b) Degradation efficiency represented as C/C0C/C_0C/C0 values for rhodamine B using ZnO and ZnO/AgNW composite under the same conditions. * **Figure 8:** (a) Time-resolved UV-Vis absorption spectra of rhodamine B degraded by ZnO/AgNW composite under UV irradiation at 365 nm over various time intervals. (b) Corresponding C/C0C/C_0C/C0 values for rhodamine B degradation over time. * **Figure 9:** Photocatalytic stability data showing C/C0C/C_0C/C0 values of rhodamine B degradation across multiple photocatalytic cycles using the ZnO/AgNW composite under UV irradiation. * **Figure 10:** A comparative analysis of photocatalytic efficiencies among various photocatalysts, including ZnO, ZnO/TiO₂/AgNW, ZnO nanowire, TiO₂, and ZnO/AgNW composite. ### Files and variables #### File: figure\_6.xlsx **Description:** This dataset represents UV-Vis spectrophotometric measurements of absorbance values collected during experiments evaluating the optical properties of ZnO and ZnO/Ag nanowire (ZnO/AgNW) composites in the wavelength range of **320–600 nm**. The data specifically focuses on the materials' ability to absorb light in the visible spectrum, a critical aspect for photocatalytic applications. The dataset highlights the enhanced light absorption properties of the ZnO/AgNW composite compared to pure ZnO, attributed to the plasmonic effects of the Ag nanowires. These measurements are essential for understanding the interaction of light with these materials and their suitability for photocatalytic efficiency under visible light. ##### Variables: * **Wavelength (nm):** * The wavelength of light (in nanometers) measured during UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis, ranging from 320 to 600 nm. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - ZnO/Ag Nanowire:** * The absorbance values (arbitrary units) of the ZnO/Ag nanowire composite at each wavelength, reflecting its optical properties and enhanced light absorption due to Ag nanowires. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - ZnO:** * The absorbance values (arbitrary units) of pure ZnO material at each wavelength, used as a baseline for comparison with the ZnO/Ag nanowire composite. #### File: figure\_7-(a).xlsx **Description:** This dataset contains UV-Vis spectrophotometric data of rhodamine B (RhB) degradation during photocatalysis by ZnO and ZnO/Ag nanowire (ZnO/AgNW) composites under UV irradiation at 365 nm for 40 minutes. The dataset presents absorbance values of RhB at various wavelengths (320–600 nm) to evaluate the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the nanocomposites. The decrease in the RhB absorbance peak, particularly at 554 nm, indicates the extent of dye degradation over time. ##### Variables: * **Wavelength (nm):** * The wavelength of light in nanometers, ranging from 320 to 600 nm, was recorded during UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - Ref:** * Reference absorbance values for calibration and comparison purposes. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - ZnO:** * Absorbance values for pure ZnO material, reflecting its photocatalytic activity in degrading RhB. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - ZnO Nanowire:** * Absorbance values for ZnO nanowire material, used for comparative analysis. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - ZnO/Ag Nanowire:** * Absorbance values for ZnO/AgNW composite, highlighting its enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. #### File: figure\_7-(b).xlsx **Description:** This dataset includes calculated C/C₀ values, representing the relative concentration of RhB after 40 minutes of photocatalytic degradation under UV irradiation (C) compared to its initial concentration (C₀). These values quantitatively compare the degradation efficiencies of ZnO and ZnO/AgNW composites, with ZnO/AgNW showing superior efficiency, achieving a significantly lower C/C₀ value. ##### Variables : * **Photocatalyst:** * The photocatalytic material tested (ZnO or ZnO/AgNW composite). * **C/C₀:** * The ratio of the remaining concentration of RhB after 40 minutes of photocatalysis (C) to its initial concentration (C₀), indicating photocatalytic efficiency. #### File: figure\_8-(a).xlsx **Description:** This dataset represents the UV-Vis absorption spectra of RhB dye during photocatalytic degradation experiments using ZnO/AgNW nanocomposites under UV irradiation at 365 nm. The absorbance measurements were taken at specific intervals of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes, showcasing the progressive degradation of RhB. The data covers the wavelength range of 320–600 nm, with a notable decline in the characteristic absorption peak of RhB at 554 nm as the irradiation time increases. The dataset highlights the efficiency of ZnO/AgNW in facilitating the breakdown of RhB molecules under UV light exposure. ##### Variables: * **Wavelength (nm):** The light wavelength, measured in nanometers, ranges from 320 to 600 nm. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - ref:** The absorbance values of RhB dye at time zero, before UV irradiation begins. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - 10 min:** The absorbance values of RhB after 10 minutes of UV irradiation. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - 20 min:** The absorbance values of RhB after 20 minutes of UV irradiation. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - 30 min:** The absorbance values of RhB after 30 minutes of UV irradiation. * **Absorbance (a.u.) - 40 min:** The absorbance values of RhB after 40 minutes of UV irradiation. #### File: figure\_8-(b).xlsx **Description:** This dataset summarizes the degradation efficiency of RhB dye as quantified by the C/C0 ratio, where CCC is the concentration of RhB at a given time, and C0C_0C0 is the initial concentration before UV irradiation. Measurements were taken at time intervals of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes under UV irradiation at 365 nm. The dataset shows a steady decrease in the C/C0 ratio, reflecting the effective photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/AgNW nanocomposite over time. The final value of C/C0≈0.1 indicates significant RhB degradation by the nanocomposite. ##### Variables: * **Irradiation Time (min):** Time intervals (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes) under UV irradiation at 365 nm. * **C/C0:** The ratio of the remaining concentration of RhB to its initial concentration. #### File: figure\_9.xlsx **Description:** This dataset evaluates the robustness and reusability of the ZnO/AgNW nanocomposite through photocatalytic degradation of RhB over nine consecutive cycles under identical UV irradiation conditions. The photocatalytic performance is quantified using the C/C0 ratio, where C represents the concentration of RhB after UV irradiation, and C0 is the initial concentration before irradiation. The C/C0 values gradually increase from 0.09708 in the first cycle to 0.2095 in the ninth cycle, indicating a slight decline in photocatalytic efficiency over repeated use. Despite this, the consistently low C/C0 values across all cycles demonstrate the high durability and reusability of the ZnO/AgNW composite, reinforcing its potential for practical applications in environmental remediation. ##### Variables: * **Photocatalyst:** Indicates the material used in the photocatalytic degradation process, specifically the ZnO/AgNW nanocomposite. * **C/C0:** The ratio of the remaining RhB concentration (CCC) to the initial concentration (C0C_0C0) after UV irradiation, measured for each cycle to assess the efficiency and reusability of the composite. #### File: figure\_10.xlsx **Description:** This dataset presents a comparative analysis of the photocatalytic efficiency of various photocatalysts, including ZnO/AgNW, ZnO, ZnO/TiO₂/AgNW, ZnO nanowire, and TiO₂, for the degradation of RhB under UV irradiation for 40 minutes. The C/C0 ratio, where CCC is the remaining concentration of RhB after irradiation and C0C_0C0 is the initial concentration, is used to assess photocatalytic performance. Among all tested photocatalysts, the ZnO/AgNW composite exhibited the lowest C/C0 value of 0.09708, indicating its superior degradation capability. The results underscore the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the ZnO/AgNW composite, attributed to the synergistic effects of AgNWs, which improve electron mobility, facilitate efficient charge separation, and enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study highlights the potential of ZnO/AgNW as a highly effective photocatalyst for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation applications. ##### Variables: * **Photocatalyst:** The type of photocatalyst used for RhB degradation, including: * ZnO/Ag Nanowire * ZnO * ZnO/TiO₂/Ag Nanowire * ZnO Nanowire * TiO₂ * **C/C0:** The ratio of the remaining RhB concentration (CCC) to the initial concentration (C0C_0C0) after 40 minutes of UV irradiation, used as a measure of photocatalytic efficiency. ## Code/software * **Origin (Pro)**: * **Version:** Specify the version used (e.g., Origin 2023). * **Purpose:** Origin was utilized for advanced data visualization, including plotting UV-Vis absorbance spectra and C/C0 graphs. * **Workflow:** 1. Import the provided .xlsx file into Origin. 2. Use Origin's graphing tools (e.g., "Plot Wizard") to generate plots for the data, such as absorbance vs. wavelength or time-dependent C/C0 values. 3. Apply relevant data analysis tools within Origin, including curve fitting and data smoothing as needed. * **Note:** Origin is a commercial software, and users must ensure they have a valid license to access its features. * **Microsoft Excel**: * **Purpose:** Preliminary inspection and validation of the raw dataset. * Excel can be used to verify data accuracy and observe trends before importing it into Origin for detailed analysis. ## Access information Other publicly accessible locations of the data: * This data is not available on any other publicly accessible platform. It is unique to this study. Data was derived from the following sources: * This dataset was derived entirely from experimental results obtained during the course of this study. No external data sources were used