Green Synthesis of S, Se, and Ag Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Enhanced Photocatalytic Waste Degradation
Ari Sulistyo Rini(a*), Yolanda Rati(b), Mediniah Putri Simatupang(a), Zulkarnain Usman(a), Erman Taer(a), Rahmi Dewi(a), Jasril(c)

a) Dept of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Riau, Jalan H.R. Soebrantas, Km 12.5, Pekanbaru 28291, Indonesia
* ari.sulistyo[at]lecturer.unri.ac.id
b) Dept of Physics, Bandung Institute of Technology
Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
c) Dept of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Riau, Universitas Riau, Jalan H.R. Soebrantas, Km 12.5, Pekanbaru 28291, Indonesia

Abstract

The increasing concern of environmental pollution has pushed for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly waste management technologies. This study presents a green synthesis approach towards production of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles incorporated with Sulfur (S), Selenium (Se), and Silver (Ag) as dopants to improve their photocatalytic properties in waste degradation. The biosynthesis process involves utilizing natural plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, presenting an environmentally friendly option to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The zinc oxide doped nanoparticle analysis was done using XRD, SEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy which confirmed successful incorporation of S, Se, and Ag into the structure of ZnO. The synthesized nanoparticles were used to test their photocatalytic efficacy by degrading organic wastes under UV-light. These findings revealed that there was a drastic increase in degradation rate with doped ZnOs with S, Se & Ag exhibiting better performance against photodegradation than undoped ones. This investigation outlines how S, Se, and Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles can be an effective means for disposing off waste materials that align well with green technology principles. This outcome opens up further possibilities of applying these materials in addressing large-scale environmental concerns.

Keywords: doped-ZnO, photocatalyst, pollutant, green-synthesis

Topic: Physics