# Photocatalytic Degradation of Municipal Wastewater and Brilliant Blue Dye Using Hydrothermally Synthesized Surface-Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

Authors: Tabasom Parvin; Namratha Keerthiraj; Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim; Sukhon Phanichphant; Kullaiah Byrappa
Journal: International Journal of Photoenergy
 (2012)

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## Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of local municipal wastewater and brilliant blue FCF dye were investigated using silver-doped ZnO designer particles. The silver-doped ZnO designer particles were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions (T = 150–250∘C, P=autogeneous, experimental duration = 16–24 h) in the presence of surface modifiers. The resultant products were characterized using powder XRD, FTIR, Zeta potential, and SEM. Various parameters including catalyst amount, light source, pH, and photocatalytic time duration were studied to find out their effects on photodegradation efficiency with respect to municipal wastewater and brilliant blue dye. The effect of these parameters was evaluated using chemical oxygen demand (COD) and % transmittance analyses. The photodegradation results showed that the surface-modified silver-doped ZnO designer particles had higher efficiency compared to the reagent-grade ZnO in photodegradation of municipal wastewater and brilliant blue dye.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Water is a basic requirement in all industrial, domestic, and commercial activities; the wastewater generated from these various processes contains a wide range of contaminants depending upon the process. These effluents are intensely colored and are contaminated with a high concentration of organic compounds such as suspended and dissolved salts and many other recalcitrant compounds. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising method among advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which can be used for degradation of various organic pollutants in water and wastewater [1]. Until now, many kinds of semiconductor metal oxide nanoparticles have been studied as photocatalyst including TiO2, ZnO, and WO3 [2]. ZnO is known as an important semiconductor, which has been studied extensively in the past few years due to its fundamental and technological characteristics. Its various attractive properties, such as wide-band gap (3.37 eV), large excitation-binding energy (60 meV), and excellent chemical stability suggest a host of possible practical applications as gas sensors [3], ceramics [4], field emission devices [5], luminescent materials [6], biomedical [7], and photocatalysis [8]. Therefore, ZnO has been considered as one of the important materials, and its applications are expanding continuously [9]. However, ZnO nanoparticles are prone to aggregate due to the large surface area and high surface energy. In order to improve the dispersion, it is necessary to modify the surface of ZnO nanoparticles [10, 11]. Hence, an appropriate capping agent or organic ligand or surfactant or chelating agent is added to achieve a control over the size and morphology for these ZnO particles, and thereby the properties could be effectively tailored [12]. ZnO nanoparticles can be synthesized by various methods including sol-gel processing [13], homogeneous precipitation [14], mechanical milling [15], organometallic synthesis [16], microwave method [17], spray pyrolysis [18], thermal evaporation [19], mechanochemical synthesis [20], and solvothermal and hydrothermal techniques [21, 22]. The hydrothermal technique provides an excellent possibility for processing the advanced materials whether as bulk single crystals, or fine particles, or nanoparticles owing to a highly controlled diffusion in a closed system under mild temperature pressure conditions [23]. The designer particles mean particles with desired or tailor-made physicochemical characteristics [24]. In the present study, authors report the synthesis and characterization of in situ surface-modified silver-doped ZnO polyscale crystals and their application in the photodegradation of municipal wastewater and brilliant blue dye. n-hexanol is known as a tertiary alcohol which has a strong affinity to silver dopant, and it is expected to bring enhanced catalytic activity for the ZnO nanoparticles.


## 2. Experimental

### 2.1. Preparation of Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

Silver-doped ZnO polyscale crystals were fabricated under hydrothermal conditions (T = 150–250°C, P=autogeneous, experimental duration = 16–24 h). 1 M of reagent-grade ZnO (Loba Chemie, India) was taken as starting material, and the silver metal (Loba Chemie, India) dopant taken in 1 M%, 3 M%, and 5 M% concentration was added into it. A required amount of 1 N NaOH (Loba Chemie, India) mineralizer was added into the precursor. n-hexanol (Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai, India) with different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 M) was added into the above-mentioned mixture, and it was stirred vigorously for a few minutes. The final compound was then transferred into the Teflon liner (Vfill=10mL), which was later placed inside a General-Purpose autoclave. Then the autoclave assembly was kept in an oven with a temperature programmer-controller for 16–24 h. The temperature was maintained at a desired temperature in the region 150–250°C depending upon the surface modifier. After the experimental run, the autoclave was cooled to the room temperature. The pH was measured before and after the experimental run, and the initial and final pH values were maintained at 10. The product in the Teflon liner was then centrifuged at 25,000 rpm at 4°C for 15 min and then freeze-dried. The freeze-dried particles were subjected to a systematic characterization and photocatalytic studies.


### 2.2. Characterization of the Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

The designer particles fabricated were characterized using different analytical techniques. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns were recorded using Rigaku Miniflex II, with CuKα, λ  : 1.542 Å radiation, voltage  : 30 kV, current  : 15 mA, scan speed ~5° min−1, and the 2θ range was kept between 10 and 80°. The Fourier transform infrared spectra were recorded using FTIR, JASCO-460 PLUS, Japan at resolution of 4 cm−1. SEM study was carried out to know the size and morphology of the crystals obtained using JEOL JSM 5410LV (Japan). Zeta potential was measured using Zeta Sizer 2000 (Malvern instruments, UK).


### 2.3. Photocatalytic Degradation of Municipal Wastewater and Brilliant Blue Dye

In photocatalytic system, a combination of semiconductors (such as TiO2, ZnO, F2O3, and ZnS) and UV or visible lights can be used. Wastewater sample was collected from the influent of Mysore City Municipal wastewater treatment plant, Mysore, India. For photodegradation studies, a known volume of the wastewater sample and dye solution of normality 1×10-5 M (50 mL) were taken in separate beakers. A known amount of the catalyst was added to this. The photodegradation experiment was carried out under both UV and visible-light irradiation. In order to know the effect and efficiency of the compound synthesized, the blank sample was used and the comparison was made with the results obtained. The intensity of sunlight and UV light was estimated by photolysis of uranyl oxalate [25]. It was estimated that the intensity of sunlight was 6.522 × 1016 quanta/s, and the intensity of UV was 2.375 × 1015 quanta/s. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) was estimated before and after the treatment (using Open Reflux method). The photodegradation efficiency of the synthesized compound was calculated using the equation(1)Photodegradationefficiency=InitialCOD-FinalCODInitialCOD.


## 2.1. Preparation of Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

Silver-doped ZnO polyscale crystals were fabricated under hydrothermal conditions (T = 150–250°C, P=autogeneous, experimental duration = 16–24 h). 1 M of reagent-grade ZnO (Loba Chemie, India) was taken as starting material, and the silver metal (Loba Chemie, India) dopant taken in 1 M%, 3 M%, and 5 M% concentration was added into it. A required amount of 1 N NaOH (Loba Chemie, India) mineralizer was added into the precursor. n-hexanol (Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai, India) with different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 M) was added into the above-mentioned mixture, and it was stirred vigorously for a few minutes. The final compound was then transferred into the Teflon liner (Vfill=10mL), which was later placed inside a General-Purpose autoclave. Then the autoclave assembly was kept in an oven with a temperature programmer-controller for 16–24 h. The temperature was maintained at a desired temperature in the region 150–250°C depending upon the surface modifier. After the experimental run, the autoclave was cooled to the room temperature. The pH was measured before and after the experimental run, and the initial and final pH values were maintained at 10. The product in the Teflon liner was then centrifuged at 25,000 rpm at 4°C for 15 min and then freeze-dried. The freeze-dried particles were subjected to a systematic characterization and photocatalytic studies.


## 2.2. Characterization of the Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

The designer particles fabricated were characterized using different analytical techniques. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns were recorded using Rigaku Miniflex II, with CuKα, λ  : 1.542 Å radiation, voltage  : 30 kV, current  : 15 mA, scan speed ~5° min−1, and the 2θ range was kept between 10 and 80°. The Fourier transform infrared spectra were recorded using FTIR, JASCO-460 PLUS, Japan at resolution of 4 cm−1. SEM study was carried out to know the size and morphology of the crystals obtained using JEOL JSM 5410LV (Japan). Zeta potential was measured using Zeta Sizer 2000 (Malvern instruments, UK).


## 2.3. Photocatalytic Degradation of Municipal Wastewater and Brilliant Blue Dye

In photocatalytic system, a combination of semiconductors (such as TiO2, ZnO, F2O3, and ZnS) and UV or visible lights can be used. Wastewater sample was collected from the influent of Mysore City Municipal wastewater treatment plant, Mysore, India. For photodegradation studies, a known volume of the wastewater sample and dye solution of normality 1×10-5 M (50 mL) were taken in separate beakers. A known amount of the catalyst was added to this. The photodegradation experiment was carried out under both UV and visible-light irradiation. In order to know the effect and efficiency of the compound synthesized, the blank sample was used and the comparison was made with the results obtained. The intensity of sunlight and UV light was estimated by photolysis of uranyl oxalate [25]. It was estimated that the intensity of sunlight was 6.522 × 1016 quanta/s, and the intensity of UV was 2.375 × 1015 quanta/s. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) was estimated before and after the treatment (using Open Reflux method). The photodegradation efficiency of the synthesized compound was calculated using the equation(1)Photodegradationefficiency=InitialCOD-FinalCODInitialCOD.


## 3. Result and Discussion

### 3.1. XRD Patterns of Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

The XRD patterns of pure ZnO, surface-modified ZnO, 1 M% Ag-doped ZnO, 3 M% Ag, and 5 M% Ag-doped ZnO match well with the JCPDS file number 800075. The cell parameters and cell volumes of the compounds were calculated using checkcell. Figure1, clearly, shows that there is no major shift in the peaks positions. As evident from the cell parameters given in Table 1, we can conclude that silver does not enter into the structure replacing Zn2+, but it might be entering interstitially. However, it is well-known that silver as a strong catalyst has a close affinity to the alkoxide like n-hexanol, and it adsorbs the organics and forms a capping [26, 27]. With a rise in the concentration of silver-like 5 M%, there are several smaller intensity peaks in the powder XRD pattern in addition to the main ZnO peaks. The powder XRD data reveals a highly crystallized wurtzite structure and homogeneous phase formation in case of lower concentration of silver doping.Table 1
Cell parameters of ZnO synthesized.
Catalysta (Å)c (Å)V (Å3)Reagent grade ZnO3.25305.205947.71Surface modified ZnO3.24775.201147.511 M% Silver-doped ZnO3.24915.201147.553 M% Silver-doped ZnO3.2425.19447.455 M% Silver-doped ZnO3.24845.199347.51Figure 1
Powder XRD patterns of modified silver-doped ZnO designer particles.


### 3.2. FTIR Spectroscopic Studies of Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

The presence of dopants, metal oxide, and other functional groups of the compound was identified by FTIR studies. It is well-known that FTIR gives minute internal structural details of the materials, and such details cannot be observed through the routine X-ray diffraction studies, which give an ideal overall picture of the structure. On contrary, the FTIR spectra give information on the presence or absence of other components like carbonates, hydroxyls, several organic molecules, and so forth. Figure2 shows the FTIR spectra of the reagent-grade ZnO, undoped surface-modified ZnO, silver- (1, 3, and 5 M%) doped ZnO with n-hexanol as surface modifier. Based on the FTIR study, we can conclude that the surface modifier used in the fabrication of the compounds has played a significant role in the formation of these designer nanoparticulates and has formed strong organic cappings on the silver dopant than zinc oxide, because of the strong affinity of n-hexanol to the silver. Although the experimental products were thoroughly washed thrice and freeze-dried, the organics were not removed from the products. This is evident from the FTIR spectra of the resultant products. As observed from Figure 2, with an increase in the concentration of silver, the absorption bands due to the presence of several organics groups are seen in the region 875–1450 cm−1. n-hexanol boils at about 151.3°C, and experimental temperature is 180°C, and it even breaks down into several other organic groups in the presence of NaOH as a solvent under hydrothermal conditions. The literature survey shows the presence of such absorption bands of organics due to the splitting of n-hexanol, particularly in the region 875–990 cm−1 [28, 29]. The band in the region 438 cm−1 to 453 cm−1 represents the stretching mode of Zn–O. The peaks in the region 419 cm−1, 443 cm−1, and 497 cm−1 represent the absorption peaks of Ag. The band in the region within 3000 cm−1 to 3800 cm−1 corresponds to the OH- band, which is due to the absorption of water molecules during the process of recording FTIR spectra and near 1600 cm−1 is the C=O stretching mode. The band near 2360 cm−1 is because of the absorption of atmospheric CO2 on the metallic cations. The band at 1450 cm−1 corresponds to CH2 and the band at 1170 cm−1 belongs to the C–O bond. When the concentration of silver is 1 M%, the FTIR spectrum looks less split and smooth, where as an increase in the concentration of silver introduces more stronger absorption bands due to organics capping of silver in the region 1170–878 cm−1.Figure 2
FTIR spectra of: (a) reagent grade ZnO; (b) undoped ZnO-modified with 0.5 Mn-hexanol; (c) 1 M% Ag doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol; (d) 3 M% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol; (e) 5 M% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol.


### 3.3. Zeta Potential of Surface-Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

Zeta potential (ζ) measurement was performed to study the stability of polyscale crystals. Figure 3 shows the ζ measurement results as a function of pH. The obtained ζ potential of modified silver-doped ZnO polyscale crystals was found to decrease with increase of pH as is expected for a surface with acid-base group. The iso-electric point of zero charge (PZC) for ZnO polyscale crystals was found to be 3.1 for modification by n-hexanol. For smaller nanoparticles, a high ζ potential will confer stability, that is, the solution or dispersion will resist aggregation. When the ζ is low, attraction exceeds repulsion, and the dispersion will break and flocculate [30].Figure 3
Zeta potential of silver-doped ZnO designer particles modified withn-hexanol as surfactant.


### 3.4. SEM Images of ZnO Designer Particles

Figure4 shows the characteristic SEM images of 1, 3, and 5 M% of modified silver-doped ZnO designer particles with 0.3 M n-hexanol modifier. The surface modification has led to the controlling of growth direction, and also particle size and preventing agglomeration. It was found that the surface modifier could not only affect the dispersibility of the synthesized ZnO designer particles, but it did also change particles morphology and size. In order to know the effect of surface modifier on the synthesis of ZnO designer particles, the results obtained were compared with ZnO synthesized with other surface modifiers like caprylic acid and gluconic acid. These experiments were carried out at 250°C over 24 h duration for caprylic acid and at 150°C for 16 h for gluconic acid. Figure 5 shows SEM images of caprylic acid and gluconic acid modified silver-doped ZnO. The presence of surplus ZnO (4 M) has introduced large agglomeration. Similarly surplus surfactant has simply led to the formation of bulk aggregates without any specific morphology. Instead the particles have irregular shape and also vary in size when the concentration of silver was increased to 4 and 5 M%, the formation of larger and elongated particles of ZnO along with small particles of silver chloride attached over the surface of ZnO was observed. The agglomeration of particles continues in spite of the presence of surface modifier in the system. In fact, surplus amount of surface modifier reduces the quality of the particles and introduces more agglomeration. In contrary, SEM images do not show larger particle size, and agglomeration in the presence of n-hexanol surface modifier. Interestingly, SEM images of the experimental products obtained with n-hexanol modifier do not show the silver metal particles attached to the larger size ZnO particles. Here the particles are more dispersed compared to the silver-doped ZnO nanoparticles obtained with caprylic acid, or gluconic acid modifiers. SEM images depict that the crystals exhibit different morphologies with different size and shapes. Most of the crystals are tabular, elongated structure, and hexagonal in shape. The morphology achieved is quite suitable for the photodegradation purposes. The average aspect ratios of the synthesized designer particles given in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) are 1 : 1.8, 1 : 2.5, and 1 : 1.9, respectively. Therefore, ZnO designer particles are attractive catalysts, in part, simply because of their high surface area while the increased surface area of ZnO designer particles is a relatively simple consequence of reducing their size and aspect ratio.SEM images of (a) 1 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 Mn-hexanol, (b) 3 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol, and (c) 5 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol.
(a)(b)(c)SEM images of (a) 5 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.5 M gluconic acid and  (b) 5 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 2 M caprylic acid.
(a)(b)


### 3.5. Effect of Amount of Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles on Photodegradation Efficiency

Photodegradation efficiency of pure ZnO and silver-doped ZnO designer particles was studied using municipal wastewater sample and Brilliant Blue dye. The experiment was carried out over a duration of 3 h under both sunlight and UV light. The photodegradation experiment was carried out using different weights of modified silver-doped ZnO photocatalyst. The effect of different weights of catalyst (30–70 mg) on the degradation of the municipal wastewater is given in Figure6. The photodegradation efficiency was increased up to 69% under sunlight and 49% under UV light. Figure 6 clearly shows that the effect of degradation increases with respect to weight of catalyst and increases in detention time. Similarly for the degradation of Brilliant Blue dye 20–80 mg of the catalyst was used. The photodegradation efficiency of the catalyst on brilliant blue is given in Figure 7. The photodegradation efficiency was increased up to 94.4% under sunlight and 77.7% under UV light. The values obtained in terms of increase in photodegradation efficiency with respect to the weight of catalyst used and detention time for the degradation of municipal wastewater sample when exposed under sunlight and UV light are given in Table 2. It is well known that as the organics present in dye solution decreases, percentage transmission increases. In case of municipal wastewater, the sample collected was colorless and percentage transmission was not measured. However, when the photodegradation experiment was carried using brilliant blue dye, the % T was recorded before and after the experiment. The graphical representation in the increase in % T of the dye solution is given in Figure 8. The maximum percentage transmission of 97.14% was obtained using silver-doped ZnO for a duration of 3 h under sunlight and maximum % T of 72.52% as obtained under UV light. The result shows that silver-doped polyscale crystal is more effective than undoped ZnO crystals. The best degradation results were achieved using 1 M% silver-doped ZnO designer particles, and the maximum degradation was achieved under sunlight when compared with UV light. In both the cases, higher efficiency was observed for photodegradation under sunlight rather than the UV light, because the UV light has an effect on the stability of the organic coating around the silver doped ZnO nanoparticles with longer UV exposures. Therefore, sunlight is better for surface modified silver doped ZnO designer nanoparticles. The increase in % T as well as photodegradation efficiency clearly represents the effective mineralization of the organics present in the municipal wastewater sample and brilliant blue dye solution using silver-doped ZnO designer particles.Table 2
Photodegradation efficiency of the synthesized compounds with respect to weight and time under sunlight and UV light.
Weight of catalyst% Efficiency of surface-modified silver-  (1 mol%) doped ZnO% Efficiency of surface-modified  silver- (3 mol%) doped ZnO% Efficiency of reagent grade ZnOsunlightUV lightSunlightUV lightsunlightUV light10 mg61.6242.4345.0132.477.7429.5250 mg66.4247.2349.4436.98.8530.6270 mg69.0049.8152.0240.9511.0735.42Time: 3 h.Effect of catalyst dosage on the photodegradation efficiency: (a) under sunlight, (b) under UV light irradiation: (▴) reagent grade ZnO and (■) 1% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol; (•) 3% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol.
(a)(b)Effect of catalyst dosage on the photodegradation efficiency: (a) under sunlight and (b) under UV light irradiation: (▴) reagent grade ZnO; (■) 1% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface; (•) 3% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface modifier.
(a)(b)Effect of catalyst dosage on the %Tof brilliant blue dye: (a) under sunlight and (b) under UV light irradiation: (▴) reagent grade ZnO; (■) 1% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface modifier; (•) 3% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface modifier.
(a)(b)


### 3.6. Effect of pH on % T of Brilliant Blue Dye

ThepKa value of brilliant blue is 5.63 and 6.58, which means that the pH has an effect on its photodegradation. The effect of pH is shown in Figure 9. The change in pH of the solution varies with the dissociation of the dye molecule and also the surface properties of the designer particles used. The initial adsorption of the dye molecules onto the polyscale crystals greatly depends on the solution pH [31]. Increase in the degradation efficiency under the alkaline conditions could be attributed to the increase in hydroxyl ions, which induce more hydroxyl radical formation. In acidic condition, the perhydroxyl radical can form hydrogen peroxide, which in turn gives rise to the hydroxyl radical.Figure 9
Effect of pH on %T of the brilliant blue dye (BBF).This photocatalyst is more suitable for brilliant blue dye and effective, so that it can be used as an effective treatment method for textile industrial effluent. However, the municipal wastewater contains not only the toxic organics, but also the lots of other complex inorganics and heavy metals. This photocatalyst is less effective, and the maximum efficiency is only 69% for municipal wastewater.


## 3.1. XRD Patterns of Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

The XRD patterns of pure ZnO, surface-modified ZnO, 1 M% Ag-doped ZnO, 3 M% Ag, and 5 M% Ag-doped ZnO match well with the JCPDS file number 800075. The cell parameters and cell volumes of the compounds were calculated using checkcell. Figure1, clearly, shows that there is no major shift in the peaks positions. As evident from the cell parameters given in Table 1, we can conclude that silver does not enter into the structure replacing Zn2+, but it might be entering interstitially. However, it is well-known that silver as a strong catalyst has a close affinity to the alkoxide like n-hexanol, and it adsorbs the organics and forms a capping [26, 27]. With a rise in the concentration of silver-like 5 M%, there are several smaller intensity peaks in the powder XRD pattern in addition to the main ZnO peaks. The powder XRD data reveals a highly crystallized wurtzite structure and homogeneous phase formation in case of lower concentration of silver doping.Table 1
Cell parameters of ZnO synthesized.
Catalysta (Å)c (Å)V (Å3)Reagent grade ZnO3.25305.205947.71Surface modified ZnO3.24775.201147.511 M% Silver-doped ZnO3.24915.201147.553 M% Silver-doped ZnO3.2425.19447.455 M% Silver-doped ZnO3.24845.199347.51Figure 1
Powder XRD patterns of modified silver-doped ZnO designer particles.


## 3.2. FTIR Spectroscopic Studies of Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

The presence of dopants, metal oxide, and other functional groups of the compound was identified by FTIR studies. It is well-known that FTIR gives minute internal structural details of the materials, and such details cannot be observed through the routine X-ray diffraction studies, which give an ideal overall picture of the structure. On contrary, the FTIR spectra give information on the presence or absence of other components like carbonates, hydroxyls, several organic molecules, and so forth. Figure2 shows the FTIR spectra of the reagent-grade ZnO, undoped surface-modified ZnO, silver- (1, 3, and 5 M%) doped ZnO with n-hexanol as surface modifier. Based on the FTIR study, we can conclude that the surface modifier used in the fabrication of the compounds has played a significant role in the formation of these designer nanoparticulates and has formed strong organic cappings on the silver dopant than zinc oxide, because of the strong affinity of n-hexanol to the silver. Although the experimental products were thoroughly washed thrice and freeze-dried, the organics were not removed from the products. This is evident from the FTIR spectra of the resultant products. As observed from Figure 2, with an increase in the concentration of silver, the absorption bands due to the presence of several organics groups are seen in the region 875–1450 cm−1. n-hexanol boils at about 151.3°C, and experimental temperature is 180°C, and it even breaks down into several other organic groups in the presence of NaOH as a solvent under hydrothermal conditions. The literature survey shows the presence of such absorption bands of organics due to the splitting of n-hexanol, particularly in the region 875–990 cm−1 [28, 29]. The band in the region 438 cm−1 to 453 cm−1 represents the stretching mode of Zn–O. The peaks in the region 419 cm−1, 443 cm−1, and 497 cm−1 represent the absorption peaks of Ag. The band in the region within 3000 cm−1 to 3800 cm−1 corresponds to the OH- band, which is due to the absorption of water molecules during the process of recording FTIR spectra and near 1600 cm−1 is the C=O stretching mode. The band near 2360 cm−1 is because of the absorption of atmospheric CO2 on the metallic cations. The band at 1450 cm−1 corresponds to CH2 and the band at 1170 cm−1 belongs to the C–O bond. When the concentration of silver is 1 M%, the FTIR spectrum looks less split and smooth, where as an increase in the concentration of silver introduces more stronger absorption bands due to organics capping of silver in the region 1170–878 cm−1.Figure 2
FTIR spectra of: (a) reagent grade ZnO; (b) undoped ZnO-modified with 0.5 Mn-hexanol; (c) 1 M% Ag doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol; (d) 3 M% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol; (e) 5 M% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol.


## 3.3. Zeta Potential of Surface-Modified Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles

Zeta potential (ζ) measurement was performed to study the stability of polyscale crystals. Figure 3 shows the ζ measurement results as a function of pH. The obtained ζ potential of modified silver-doped ZnO polyscale crystals was found to decrease with increase of pH as is expected for a surface with acid-base group. The iso-electric point of zero charge (PZC) for ZnO polyscale crystals was found to be 3.1 for modification by n-hexanol. For smaller nanoparticles, a high ζ potential will confer stability, that is, the solution or dispersion will resist aggregation. When the ζ is low, attraction exceeds repulsion, and the dispersion will break and flocculate [30].Figure 3
Zeta potential of silver-doped ZnO designer particles modified withn-hexanol as surfactant.


## 3.4. SEM Images of ZnO Designer Particles

Figure4 shows the characteristic SEM images of 1, 3, and 5 M% of modified silver-doped ZnO designer particles with 0.3 M n-hexanol modifier. The surface modification has led to the controlling of growth direction, and also particle size and preventing agglomeration. It was found that the surface modifier could not only affect the dispersibility of the synthesized ZnO designer particles, but it did also change particles morphology and size. In order to know the effect of surface modifier on the synthesis of ZnO designer particles, the results obtained were compared with ZnO synthesized with other surface modifiers like caprylic acid and gluconic acid. These experiments were carried out at 250°C over 24 h duration for caprylic acid and at 150°C for 16 h for gluconic acid. Figure 5 shows SEM images of caprylic acid and gluconic acid modified silver-doped ZnO. The presence of surplus ZnO (4 M) has introduced large agglomeration. Similarly surplus surfactant has simply led to the formation of bulk aggregates without any specific morphology. Instead the particles have irregular shape and also vary in size when the concentration of silver was increased to 4 and 5 M%, the formation of larger and elongated particles of ZnO along with small particles of silver chloride attached over the surface of ZnO was observed. The agglomeration of particles continues in spite of the presence of surface modifier in the system. In fact, surplus amount of surface modifier reduces the quality of the particles and introduces more agglomeration. In contrary, SEM images do not show larger particle size, and agglomeration in the presence of n-hexanol surface modifier. Interestingly, SEM images of the experimental products obtained with n-hexanol modifier do not show the silver metal particles attached to the larger size ZnO particles. Here the particles are more dispersed compared to the silver-doped ZnO nanoparticles obtained with caprylic acid, or gluconic acid modifiers. SEM images depict that the crystals exhibit different morphologies with different size and shapes. Most of the crystals are tabular, elongated structure, and hexagonal in shape. The morphology achieved is quite suitable for the photodegradation purposes. The average aspect ratios of the synthesized designer particles given in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) are 1 : 1.8, 1 : 2.5, and 1 : 1.9, respectively. Therefore, ZnO designer particles are attractive catalysts, in part, simply because of their high surface area while the increased surface area of ZnO designer particles is a relatively simple consequence of reducing their size and aspect ratio.SEM images of (a) 1 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 Mn-hexanol, (b) 3 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol, and (c) 5 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol.
(a)(b)(c)SEM images of (a) 5 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 0.5 M gluconic acid and  (b) 5 M% silver-doped ZnO modified with 2 M caprylic acid.
(a)(b)


## 3.5. Effect of Amount of Silver-Doped ZnO Designer Particles on Photodegradation Efficiency

Photodegradation efficiency of pure ZnO and silver-doped ZnO designer particles was studied using municipal wastewater sample and Brilliant Blue dye. The experiment was carried out over a duration of 3 h under both sunlight and UV light. The photodegradation experiment was carried out using different weights of modified silver-doped ZnO photocatalyst. The effect of different weights of catalyst (30–70 mg) on the degradation of the municipal wastewater is given in Figure6. The photodegradation efficiency was increased up to 69% under sunlight and 49% under UV light. Figure 6 clearly shows that the effect of degradation increases with respect to weight of catalyst and increases in detention time. Similarly for the degradation of Brilliant Blue dye 20–80 mg of the catalyst was used. The photodegradation efficiency of the catalyst on brilliant blue is given in Figure 7. The photodegradation efficiency was increased up to 94.4% under sunlight and 77.7% under UV light. The values obtained in terms of increase in photodegradation efficiency with respect to the weight of catalyst used and detention time for the degradation of municipal wastewater sample when exposed under sunlight and UV light are given in Table 2. It is well known that as the organics present in dye solution decreases, percentage transmission increases. In case of municipal wastewater, the sample collected was colorless and percentage transmission was not measured. However, when the photodegradation experiment was carried using brilliant blue dye, the % T was recorded before and after the experiment. The graphical representation in the increase in % T of the dye solution is given in Figure 8. The maximum percentage transmission of 97.14% was obtained using silver-doped ZnO for a duration of 3 h under sunlight and maximum % T of 72.52% as obtained under UV light. The result shows that silver-doped polyscale crystal is more effective than undoped ZnO crystals. The best degradation results were achieved using 1 M% silver-doped ZnO designer particles, and the maximum degradation was achieved under sunlight when compared with UV light. In both the cases, higher efficiency was observed for photodegradation under sunlight rather than the UV light, because the UV light has an effect on the stability of the organic coating around the silver doped ZnO nanoparticles with longer UV exposures. Therefore, sunlight is better for surface modified silver doped ZnO designer nanoparticles. The increase in % T as well as photodegradation efficiency clearly represents the effective mineralization of the organics present in the municipal wastewater sample and brilliant blue dye solution using silver-doped ZnO designer particles.Table 2
Photodegradation efficiency of the synthesized compounds with respect to weight and time under sunlight and UV light.
Weight of catalyst% Efficiency of surface-modified silver-  (1 mol%) doped ZnO% Efficiency of surface-modified  silver- (3 mol%) doped ZnO% Efficiency of reagent grade ZnOsunlightUV lightSunlightUV lightsunlightUV light10 mg61.6242.4345.0132.477.7429.5250 mg66.4247.2349.4436.98.8530.6270 mg69.0049.8152.0240.9511.0735.42Time: 3 h.Effect of catalyst dosage on the photodegradation efficiency: (a) under sunlight, (b) under UV light irradiation: (▴) reagent grade ZnO and (■) 1% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol; (•) 3% Ag-doped ZnO modified with 0.3 M n-hexanol.
(a)(b)Effect of catalyst dosage on the photodegradation efficiency: (a) under sunlight and (b) under UV light irradiation: (▴) reagent grade ZnO; (■) 1% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface; (•) 3% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface modifier.
(a)(b)Effect of catalyst dosage on the %Tof brilliant blue dye: (a) under sunlight and (b) under UV light irradiation: (▴) reagent grade ZnO; (■) 1% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface modifier; (•) 3% silver-doped ZnO with 0.3 M n-hexanol surface modifier.
(a)(b)


## 3.6. Effect of pH on % T of Brilliant Blue Dye

ThepKa value of brilliant blue is 5.63 and 6.58, which means that the pH has an effect on its photodegradation. The effect of pH is shown in Figure 9. The change in pH of the solution varies with the dissociation of the dye molecule and also the surface properties of the designer particles used. The initial adsorption of the dye molecules onto the polyscale crystals greatly depends on the solution pH [31]. Increase in the degradation efficiency under the alkaline conditions could be attributed to the increase in hydroxyl ions, which induce more hydroxyl radical formation. In acidic condition, the perhydroxyl radical can form hydrogen peroxide, which in turn gives rise to the hydroxyl radical.Figure 9
Effect of pH on %T of the brilliant blue dye (BBF).This photocatalyst is more suitable for brilliant blue dye and effective, so that it can be used as an effective treatment method for textile industrial effluent. However, the municipal wastewater contains not only the toxic organics, but also the lots of other complex inorganics and heavy metals. This photocatalyst is less effective, and the maximum efficiency is only 69% for municipal wastewater.


## 4. Conclusion

Silver-doped ZnO-modified designer particles were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions.n-hexanol was used as the surface modifier, because it has low toxicity, low density, and low melting temperature and also to obtain desired size and shape, enhances the reaction kinetics and synthesis is very rapid, we can synthesise nanoparticles in just a couple of hours, thereby reducing the experimental cost, and also it needs to low temperature for synthesis. XRD pattern demonstrates that the synthesized products are highly crystalline. In addition, FTIR spectra clearly represent the presence of ZnO, dopants and organics. The SEM images clearly show that the crystals obtained are of various sizes and dispersibility. The use of sunlight as the source of illumination in the photodegradation reaction could be highly cost effective. The addition of surface modifier reduces the particle size avoid agglomeration and also it makes the synthesized compound highly hydrophilic which is necessary for achieving higher photodegradation efficiency. The municipal wastewater and brilliant blue dye were treated using the ZnO designer particles which clearly demonstrate that these compounds can be used for the treatment of other industrial effluents, particularly textile industry effluents.



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*Source: 670610-2012-02-13.xml*