Disperse orange 30 dye degradation by assisted plasmonic photocatalysis using Ag-CdZnSO/zeolitic matrix nanocomposites

•Aqueous synthesis of plasmonic photocatalysts by a solvent- and organics-free route•Intense synergistic interaction between plasmonic and semiconductor nanoparticles•Small initial concentration of sensitizer and its elimination during photoreaction•Highly efficient photodegradation of recalcitrant DO30 dye

A highly efficient photocatalyst based on Ag-metal and CdZnSO-semiconductor nanoparticles, grown on a zeolitic matrix, was successfully synthesized by a solvent- and template-free procedure, and tested on the photodegradation of recalcitrant disperse orange 30 dye.The Ag-CdZnSO/ZM nanocomposite showed great synergistic interaction between the surface plasmon resonance of the Ag nanoparticles, the photoactive properties of CdZnSO nanoparticles, and the catalytic properties of the zeolitic, which leads to the degradation of the dye (99.5% in 90 min, from optical absorbance). The reaction mechanisms are presented and discussed. Also, the small amount of acetone required as sensitizer was eliminated during the process.

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