Abstract:

In this study, Ag₂ZnGeO₄ flower-like hierarchical nanostructure was prepared using a simple and mild method. The as-prepared samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N₂ adsorption and desorption isotherms. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was explored using Rhodamine B as a model pollutant. The results indicated that the Ag₂ZnGeO₄ hierarchical nanostructures obtained consisted of nanoplates and nanorods, and adopted spherical flower-like morphology. Moreover, the as-prepared Ag₂ZnGeO₄ hierarchical nanostructure was an efficient and stable visible-light photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes in water. After visible light irradiation for 105 min, the degradation of Rhodamine B was up to 92%. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of Ag₂ZnGeO₄ remained unchanged after three successive cycles.

Key words: Ag2ZnGeO4, Nanostructured and nanocrystalline material, Synthesis, Nanostructure