Different silver-modified zinc oxides for photocatalytic degradation of imidacloprid

Abstract

Synthesis, scanning electron microscopic / energy dispersive spectrometric characteriza­tion and photo­catalytic properties of two different silver-modified zinc oxides are de­scribed. Both cata­lyst types were synthesized from pure zinc oxide powder and an aqueous solution of silver nit­rate in the presence of solar light. The first type was prepared by the photoreduction of silver ions on the zinc oxide surface in the absence of target molecules (imidacloprid), the second one was prepared in their presence – in situ. The photocatalytic properties of the obtained catalysts were compared with those of the pure zinc oxide. The catalyst obtained in situ in the presence of imidacloprid showed the highest activity.