AgBr@TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/GO ternary composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity for oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde

AgBr@TiO₂/GO (graphene oxide) ternary composite photocatalyst was synthesized by fabricating core–shell-structured AgBr@TiO₂ and anchoring it onto the surface of GO. The obtained samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that the AgBr nanoparticles were prone to aggregation while the core–shell-structured AgBr@TiO₂ possessed excellent dispersity. PL analysis revealed that the ternary-structured AgBr@TiO₂/GO could effectively promote the separation rate of electron–hole pairs. Photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under visible-light irradiation was selected as probe reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the different samples. It was found that the AgBr@TiO₂/GO ternary composite exhibited evidently improved photocatalytic activity compared with AgBr, AgBr@TiO₂, and AgBr/GO. On the basis of the experiment results, the photocatalytic oxidation mechanism of benzyl alcohol over AgBr@TiO₂/GO is tentatively discussed.     

Magnetically separable ZnO/ZnFe2O4 and ZnO/CoFe2O4 photocatalysts supported onto nitrogen doped graphene for photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) counting heterogeneous photocatalysis has confirmed as one of the preeminent method for waste water remediation. In the present work, we have successfully fabricated novel visible-light-driven nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) supported magnetic ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ (ZnO/ZF/NG) and ZnO/CoFe₂O₄ (ZnO/CF/NG) nanocomposites. ZnO synthesized via direct precipitation method. Hydrothermal method was used for the preparation of nitrogen-doped graphene supported magnetic ZnO/ZF (ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄) and ZnO/CF (ZnO/CoFe₂O₄) nanocomposites. The procured materials were scrutinized by assorted characterizations to acquire information on their chemical composition, crystalline structure and photosensitive properties. The absorption and photocatalytic performance of photocatalysts were studied via UV–Visible spectra. Photodegradation performance of the synthesized nanocomposites was estimated toward mineralization of methyl orange (MO) and malachite green (MG) dyes in aqueous solution. The high surface area of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG was suitable for adsorptive removal of MO and MG dyes. The photodegradation performance of heterojunction photocatalysts was superior to bare photocatalyst in 140 min under visible-light irradiation. Spectrophotometer, GC–MS (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) elucidation was carried out to expose the possible intermediates formed. Both ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG were rapidly isolated from the aqueous phase by applying an external magnetic field in 20 sec and 2 min, respectively. The photocatalytic performance and stability of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG nanocomposites were confirmed by conducting 10 consecutive regeneration cycles. Owing to recyclability of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG, these heterogeneous nanocomposites might be used as cost-effective for treatment of discarded water. The observations endorse that the synthesized ternary heterogeneous nanocomposites facilitates wastewater decontamination using photocatalytic technology.     

Co doped ZnO nanowires as visible light photocatalysts

High aspect ratio cobalt doped ZnO nanowires showing strong photocatalytic activity and moderate ferromagnetic behaviour were successfully synthesized using a solvothermal method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities evaluated for visible light driven degradation of an aqueous methylene orange (MO) solution were higher than for Co doped ZnO nanoparticles at the same doping level and synthesized by the same synthesis route. The rate constant for MO visible light photocatalytic degradation was 1.9·10⁻³ min⁻¹ in case of nanoparticles and 4.2·10⁻³ min⁻¹ in case of nanowires. We observe strongly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for moderate Co doping levels, with an optimum at a composition of Zn_0.95Co_0.05O. The enhanced photocatalytic activities of Co doped ZnO nanowires were attributed to the combined effects of enhanced visible light absorption at the Co sites in ZnO nanowires, and improved separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers at optimal Co doping.     

Photocatalytic degradation of acid blue 74 in water using Ag–Ag2O–Zno nanostuctures anchored on graphene oxide

Water pollution due to industrial effluents from industries which utilize dyes in the manufacturing of their products has serious implications on aquatic lives and the general environment. Thus, there is need for the removal of dyes from wastewater before being discharged into the environment. In this study, a nanocomposite consisting of silver, silver oxide (Ag₂O), zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized, characterized and photocatalytically applied in the degradation (and possibly mineralization) of organic pollutants in water treatment process. The Ag–Ag₂O–ZnO nanostructure was synthesized by a co-precipitation method and calcined at 400 °C. It was functionalized using 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane and further anchored on carboxylated graphene oxide via the formation of an amide bond to give the Ag–Ag₂O–ZnO/GO nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The applicability of Ag–Ag₂O–ZnO/GO nanocomposite as a photocatalyst was investigated in the photocatalytic degradation of acid blue 74 dye under visible light irradiation in synthetic wastewater containing the dye. The results indicated that Ag–Ag₂O–ZnO/GO nanocomposite has a higher photocatalytic activity (90% removal) compared to Ag–Ag₂O–ZnO (85% removal) and ZnO (75% removal) respectively and thus lends itself to application in water treatment, where the removal of organics is very important.     

Recyclable Fe3O4/ZnO/PPy composite photocatalyst: Fabrication and photocatalytic activity

In this work, a magnetically separable polypyrrole (PPy) modified Fe₃O₄/ZnO composite photo-catalyst was synthesized and its photocatalytic activity was tested. The as-prepared Fe₃O₄/ZnO/PPy nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Furthermore, three different photocatalysts including the Fe₃O₄/ZnO/PPy composite were tested using methyl orange (MO) degradation reaction under UV light irradiation. The relative results demonstrated that the Fe₃O₄/ZnO/PPy composite has the highest photochemical activity after 4 h photocatalytic experiment. It can be easily separated using an external magnetic field. This kind of composite photocatalysts with easiness of separation can have potential applications in the treatment of water contaminated by organic pollutants.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Mg‐Impregnated ZnO–SnO2 Coupled Nanoparticles

ZnO–SnO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation method; then Mg, with different molar ratios and calcination temperatures, was loaded on the coupled nanoparticles by impregnation method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques. Based on XRD results, the ZnO–SnO₂ and Mg/ZnO–SnO₂ nanoparticles were made of ZnO and SnO₂ nanocrystallites. According to DRS spectra, the band gap energy value of 3.13 and 3.18 eV were obtained for ZnO–SnO₂ and Mg/ZnO–SnO₂ nanoparticles, respectively. BET analysis revealed a Type III isotherm with a microporous structure and surface area of 32.051 and 49.065 m² g^?1 for ZnO–SnO₂ and Mg/ZnO–SnO₂, respectively. Also, the spherical shape of nanocrystallites was deduced from TEM and FESEM images. The photocatalytic performance of pure ZnO–SnO₂ and Mg/ZnO–SnO₂ was analyzed in the photocatalytic removal of methyl orange (MO). The results indicated that Mg/ZnO–SnO₂ exhibited superior photocatalytic activity to bare ZnO–SnO₂ photocatalyst due to high surface area, increased MO adsorption and larger band gap energy. Maximum photocatalytic activity of Mg/ZnO–SnO₂ nanoparticles was obtained with 0.8 mol% Mg and calcination temperature of 350°C.     

ZnO/graphene-oxide nanocomposite with remarkably enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

In this work, a high-performance photocatalyst of ZnO/graphene-oxide (ZnO/GO) nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile chemical deposition route and used for the photodegradation of organic dye from water under visible light. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller N(2) adsorption-desorption analysis, and UV-Vis diffusion reflectance spectroscopy. The ZnO/GO nanocomposite consisting of flower-like ZnO nanoparticles anchored on graphene-oxide sheets has a high surface area and hierarchical porosity, which is benefit to the adsorption and mass transfer of dye and oxygen species. For the photodegradation of organic dyes under visible light, ZnO/GO nanocomposite exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic efficiency than graphene-oxide sheets and flower-like ZnO particles. Moreover, the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO/GO nanocomposite could be further improved by annealing the product in N(2) atmosphere. The outstanding photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the efficient photosensitized electron injection and repressed charge carriers recombination in the composite with GO as electron collector and transporter, thus leading to continuous generation of reactive oxygen species for the degradation of methylene blue.     

WO3 Quantum Dots Decorated GO/Mg‐doped ZnO Composites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Nature Sunlight

Graphene oxide/Mg‐doped ZnO/tungsten oxide quantum dots composites (WQGOMZ) were prepared through co‐precipitation method, and were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fluorescence spectra (FL), and UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of resultant WQGOMZ was evaluated under nature sunlight. Experimental results showed that WO₃QDs can remarkably heighten the photocatalytic activity of GOMZ composite, in which is nearly 6.58 times higher than that of GOMZ composite. Simultaneously, WQGOMZ composites possess optical memory ability and maintain high photocatalytic stability for more than 40 days. The enhanced photocatalytic activity and optical memory ability are attributed to the effective synergistic effect between ZnO and WO₃QDs.     

Synthesis of porous ZnO nanospheres for gas sensor and photocatalysis

Monodispersed porous ZnO nanospheres with diameters about 400–600 nm were successfully fabricated by a facile and effective cationic surfactant assisted selective etching strategy. The as-synthesized ZnO materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and N₂ adsorption–desorption. These samples were used as the gas sensor, showing the high, stable and fast response to acetone, revealing the potential application as gas sensor to detect acetone. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation property of the porous ZnO nanospheres for methyl orange (MO) under UV irradiation was investigated. The degradation efficiency of MO reaches 96 % of the porous ZnO samples after 50 min of UV-light irradiation.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO Nanorods Coupled by Two‐Dimensional α‐MoO3 Nanoflakes under UV and Visible Light Irradiation

We exploit the utilization of two‐dimensional (2D) molybdenum oxide nanoflakes as a co‐catalyst for ZnO nanorods (NRs) to enhance their photocatalytic performance. The 2D nanoflakes of orthorhombic α‐MoO₃ were synthesized through a sonication‐aided exfoliation technique. The 2D MoO₃ nanoflakes can be further converted to substoichiometric quasi‐metallic MoO_3?x by using UV irradiation. Subsequently, 1D–2D MoO₃/ZnO NR and MoO_3?x/ZnO NR composite photocatalysts have been successfully synthesized. The photocatalytic performances of the novel nanosystems in the decomposition of methylene blue are studied by using UV‐ and visible‐illumination setup. The incorporated 2D nanoflakes show a positive influence on the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO. The obtained rate constant values follow the order of pristine ZnO NR<MoO₃/ZnO NR<MoO_3?x/ZnO NR composites. The enhancement of the photocatalytic efficiency can be ascribed to a fast charge carrier separation and transport within the heterojunctions of the MoO₃/ZnO NRs. In particular, the best photocatalytic performance of the MoO_3?x/ZnO NR composite can be additionally attributed to a quasi‐metallic conductivity and substoichiometry‐induced mid‐gap states, which extend the light absorption range. A tentative photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed. The strategy presented in this work not only demonstrates that coupling with nanoscale molybdenum oxide nanoflakes is a promising approach to significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO but also hints at new type of composite catalyst with extended applications in energy conversion and environmental purification.     

Flower-like Bi2WO6/ZnO composite with excellent photocatalytic capability under visible light irradiation

The photocatalytic ability of ZnO is improved through the addition of flower-like Bi₂WO₆ to prepare a Bi₂WO₆/ZnO composite with visible light activity. The composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms. After modification, the band gap energy of Bi₂WO₆/ZnO is reduced from 3.2 eV for ZnO to 2.6 eV. Under visible light irradiation, the Bi₂WO₆/ZnO composite shows an excellent photocatalytic activity for degrading methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline. The photo-degradation efficiencies of (0.3:1) Bi₂WO₆/ZnO for MB and tetracycline are approximately 246 and 4500 times higher than those of bare ZnO, respectively, and correspondingly, the photo-degradation rates for the two pollutants are approximately 120 and 200 times higher than those with bare ZnO, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalyst of (0.3:1) Bi₂WO₆/ZnO exhibits a higher transient photocurrent density of approximately 4.5 μA compared with those of bare Bi₂WO₆ and ZnO nanoparticles. The successful recombination of Bi₂WO₆ and ZnO enhances the photocatalytic activity and reduces the band gap energy of ZnO, which can be attributed to the effective separation of electron–hole pairs. Active species trapping experiments display that [O₂]^? is the major species involved during photocatalysis rather than ?OH and h⁺. This study provides insight into designing a meaningful visible-light-driven photocatalyst for environmental remediation.     

ZnO-based ternary nanocomposite for decolorization of methylene blue by photocatalytic dynamic membrane

In this article, novel Ag–ZnO/g-C₃N₄/GO ternary nanocomposites were prepared via co-precipitation method by 1%w Ag, 50% w g-C₃N₄, 10% w GO concentration and applied in dynamic membranes. The characteristics of Ag–ZnO/g-C₃N₄/GO nanocomposite were evaluated by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray map, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photocatalyst. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was investigated under visible light. The photocatalytic efficiency of 93.43% for methylene blue degradation was obtained for Ag–ZnO/g-C₃N₄/GO nanocomposite after 50 min of irradiation, which was remarkably higher than that of pure ZnO, bare g-C₃N₄, Ag–ZnO, and Ag–ZnO/g-C₃N₄ at the same irradiation time. Likewise, in self-forming and pre-coated membranes, ternary nanocomposites can play a vital role in the membrane surface properties, as well as their decolorization performance. The rejection of methylene blue was 30% in pure polyethersulfone membrane, while the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in Ag–ZnO/g-C₃N₄/GO nanocomposites was 88.46% and 98.86% after 10 and 15 min of irradiation in both self-forming and pre-coated dynamic membranes, respectively. Experimental results show that the dynamic membrane possesses a higher ability for degradation of MB in a shorter period of time than the static system.     

Aspect-ratio-dependent photoinduced antimicrobial and photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation efficiency of ZnO nanorods

The photo-antimicrobial and photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanorods as a function of aspect ratio are presented. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized ZnO nanorod samples against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively) was determined by shake flask method with respect to time. ZnO nanorods with high aspect ratio showed superior antimicrobial and photocatalytic activity. These results are supported by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) studies. Degradation of methylene blue dye as model organic pollutant was used to assess their photocatalytic activity. Pseudo-first-order rate kinetics was used to calculate the photocatalytic reaction rate constant. The mechanisms for both antimicrobial and photocatalytic activity are elucidated.     

Study on the synthesis of ZnO/K2SO4 composite material by sol–gel method and its photocatalytic properties

A novel photocatalytic composite material ZnO/K₂SO₄ was prepared using sol–gel method. The samples were characterized by means of wide-angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The preliminary experimental results indicated that the as-prepared composite material exhibited good photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution. The results indicate that 92.54% of the initial methyl orange was degraded after 30 min of ultraviolet light irradiation by adding 0.15 g ZnO/K₂SO₄ composite material into 50 mL methyl orange solution.     

Significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance of zinc oxide via bismuth oxybromide hybridization and the mechanism study

A highly efficient and stable ZnO–BiOBr composite photocatalyst was prepared by a facile one-pot solvothermal method. A variety of sophisticated techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra and photoelectrochemical measurement, and so on were employed to characterize the materials. The as-prepared ZnO–BiOBr nanocrystalline showed strong photocatalytic activity for decomposition of methylene blue (MB), Orange II and biphenol A (BPA) under simulated visible light illumination. The possible working principle for the superior photocatalytic properties and reusability of the ZnO–BiOBr hybrid was surveyed to disclose contributions of various effects for the photoactivity enhancement. It was pointed out that *OH and holes take priority over ?O₂ ^? radicals in serving as the main oxidant in the reaction system. The experimental results indicated that the ZnO–BiOBr composite is highly photostable and valuable for real environmental applications.     

The surface modification of spherical ZnO with Ag nanoparticles: A novel agent,biogenic synthesis,catalytic and antibacterial activities

Nowadays, the industrial wastewater pollutants including toxic dyes and pathogenic microbes have caused serious environmental contaminations and human health problems. In the present study, eco-friendly and facile green synthesis of Ag modified ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-Ag NPs) using Crataegus monogyna (C. monogyna) extract (ZnO-Ag@CME NPs) is reported. The morphology and structure of the as-biosynthesized product were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. TEM and FESEM images confirmed the oval and spherical-like structure of the products with a size of 55–70 nm. The EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Zn, Ag, and O elements in the biosynthesized product. The photocatalytic results showed ZnO-Ag@CME NPs were degraded (89.8% and 75.3%) and (94.2% and 84.7%) of methyl orange (MO) and basic violet 10 (BV10), under UV and sunlight irradiations, respectively. The Ag modified ZnO nanoparticles exhibited enhanced catalytic activity towards organic pollutants, and showed better performance than the pure ZnO nanoparticles under UV and sunlight irradiations. This performance was probably due to the presence of silver nanoparticles as a plasmonic material. Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacteria. ZnO-Ag@CME NPs showed high antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, P. vulgaris, S. mitis, and S. faecalis with MIC values of 50, 12.5, 12.5, 12.5, and 12.45 µg/mL, respectively. All in all, the present investigation suggests a promising method to achieve high-efficiency antibacterial and catalytic performance.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activities of ZnO thin films: a comparative study of hybrid semiconductor nanomaterials

Nanostructure single ZnO, SnO₂, In₂O₃ and composite ZnO/SnO₂, ZnO/In₂O₃ and ZnO/SnO₂/In₂O₃ films were prepared using sol?Cgel method. The obtained composite films were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV?CVis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of composite films were investigated using phenol (P), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 4-aminophenol (4-AP) as a model organic compounds under UV light irradiation. Hybrid semiconductor thin films showed a higher photocatalytic activity than single component ZnO, SnO₂ and In₂O₃ films. The substituted phenols degrade faster than phenol. The ease of degradation of phenols is different for each catalyst and the order of catalytic efficiency is also different for each phenol. The use of multiple components offered a higher control of their properties by varying the composition of the materials and related parameters such as morphology and interface. It was also found that the photocatalytic degradation of phenolic compounds on the composite films and single films followed pseudo-first order kinetics.     

Photocatalytic activities of multilayered ZnO-based thin films prepared by sol–gel route: effect of SnO2 heterojunction layer

In present study, ZnO/SnO₂/ZnO/SnO₂/ZnO multi–layer, ZnO/SnO₂/ZnO triple layer and ZnO single layer films have been deposited on glass substrate by sol–gel dip–coating technique. The structural and optical properties of thin films have been investigated by X-ray diffractometer, UV–visible, photoluminescence spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy. The structural analysis reveals structural inhomogeneities and different crystallite growth processes as function of number of deposited layers. A comparison between photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide samples toward photodegradation of phenol, 4-aminophenol and 4-nitrophenol has been performed under UV light irradiation. Experiments were conducted to study the effects of operational parameters on the degradation rate. Pseudo-first-order photodegradation kinetics was observed on all films and the reaction constants were determined. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of ZnO multi–layer film was superior to that of the ZnO single- and triple-layer films. Differences in film efficiencies can be attributed to differences in crystallinity, surface morphology, defect concentration of oxygen vacancy and to presence of SnO₂ sublayer that may act as trap for electrons generated in the ZnO layer thus preventing electron–hole recombination. The results reveal that SnO₂ hetrojunction layers improve crystalline quality, optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO multilayered films.     

Study on the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange in water using Ag/ZnO as catalyst by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry

A nanocrystal catalyst Ag/ZnO was successfully synthesized using a simple solvothermal method in this study. This catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that this catalyst was composed of metallic Ag and ZnO. The photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) was investigated in aqueous suspension containing Ag/ZnO catalyst under UV irradiation. Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry was applied to the analysis of the samples coming from the photocatalytic degradation of MO. The experimental results showed that there were four intermediates existing in the photocatalytic reaction. MO could be mineralized in the Ag/ZnO suspension after 60 min illumination.     

Efficient photodegradation of methyl orange and bactericidal activity of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles

In the present work, silver-doped ZnO (Ag–ZnO NPs) with different concentrations of silver ions (0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mol %) were synthesized by using a simple co-precipitation method. The Ag–ZnO NPs were primarily characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, TEM, UV–Vis. DRS, PL and BET surface area. The XRD analysis of Ag–ZnO NPs shows a wurtzite structure and optimized Ag–ZnO NPs (1.0 mol %) exhibit a lower crystallite size of 15.96 nm than that of bare ZnO (19.07 nm). Optical study shows a decrease in band gap from 3.13 to 2.97 eV as the concentration of Ag ions increases from 0.3 to 1.5 mol%. TEM images reveal the spherical shape particle with sizes ranging between 10 and 15 nm. From the multipoint BET plot, the surface area of Ag–ZnO NPs found 38.06 m²/gwhich is higher than the ZnO NPs (34.48 m²/g). The photocatalytic study demonstrated that the Ag–ZnO NPs (1.0 mol %) has an excellent photodegradation efficiency of Methyl Orange (96.74%)with a 26% increment as compared to bare ZnO (70.47%). Furthermore, the bactericidal activity of Ag–ZnO NPs (1.0 mol %) was investigated against four different bacterial strains. The results explored that the Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. vulgaris) are more sensitive than Gram-positive (S. aureus and B. cereus) to Ag–ZnO NPs. Overall, the anticipated material is economical and reusable for photodegradation and antibacterial activity.