Hybrid ZnO/Ag nanocomposites: Fabrication, characterization, and their visible-light photocatalytic activity

We reported a simple and practical method for the fabrication of ZnO/Ag nanocomposites by applying small-molecule mediated ligand exchange strategy. The products were characterized by XRD, EDS and TEM. The unique interfacial structures in the ZnO/Ag nanohybrids induced the strong electronic coupling, resulting in tailored optical absorption property and a distinct PL quenching. Moreover, these ZnO/Ag nanoassemblies displayed obviously improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity toward dye photo-removal reaction compared to bare ZnO sample. In addition, photoactive ZnO/Ag heterostructures revealed the outstanding recycled performance.