Glucose-mediated solution–solid route for easy synthesis of Ag/ZnO particles with superior photocatalytic activity and photostability

In this paper, we report an effective glucose-assisted solution–solid process for preparing Ag/ZnO photocatalyst with excellent photocatalytic performance. The solution–solid route included first formation of a glucose–Zn–Ag precursor containing Zn and Ag source in glucose framework (solution-phase stage) and subsequent heat treatment of the precursor to obtain Ag/ZnO particles (solid-phase stage). Ag/ZnO particles could be prepared on large scale through this solution–solid process (about 1.5 g for each time synthesis and could be easily scaled up). Also, the result of photocatalytic test indicates that the material exhibits superior photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of organic dye Rhodamine B. Notably, no obvious loss of catalytic activity was observed after ten cycles, indicating the excellent photostability of Ag/ZnO particles.

► Ag/ZnO exhibit superior photocatalytic activity to P25 TiO2.
► The activity had no obvious loss after ten cycles, implying the excellent stability of Ag/ZnO.
► Ag/ZnO particles could be prepared with high throughput.
► In all preparation no hazardous chemical reagents were used.