Photocatalytic activity and DFT calculations on electronic structure of N-doped ZnO/Ag nanocomposites

N-doped ZnO/Ag nanocomposites were successfully prepared by two-step liquid deposition approach and plasma nitriding technology. The photocatalytic studies suggested that N-doped ZnO/Ag nanocomposites showed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of photodegradation of methyl orange aqueous solution compared with the un-doped sample under UV light irradiation. The theoretical results indicated that the Fermi level shifted into the valence band, a narrow-deep acceptor level formed in the energy gap, then the transition of an electron from valence band to conduction band needs less energy which demonstrated the mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of N-doped ZnO/Ag nanocomposites.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights► ZnO was successfully modified with Ag and N-doped. ► N-doped ZnO/Ag nanocomposites exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than that of un-doped. ► A narrow-deep acceptor level formed in the energy gap for N-doped nanocomposites. ► The transition of an electron from valence band to conduction band needs less energy.