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Ag/ZnO hollow sphere composites: reusable photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of 17α-ethinylestradiol

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Abstract

Characterizations of Ag/ZnO hollow sphere by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and UV–vis absorption spectra have been made after its synthesis. The results showed that the composite was hollow structure with diameters of about 1–4 μm. The samples synthesized were tested and identified as silver doped ZnO, which have extended and boosted the spectral absorption. The photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO hollow spheres was assessed using 17α-ethinylestradiol aqueous solution under UV irradiation. It has been observed that the 17α-ethinylestradiol absorption efficiency and degradation rate is higher for Ag/ZnO hollow spheres. As reusable photocatalysts, Ag/ZnO hollow spheres which could be easily separated from a suspension will facilitate their application in wastewater treatment with enhanced photostability.

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Acknowledgment

The study was financially supported by the research fund provided by the National Natural Basic Research Program of China (“973” program, No. 2012CB719800), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51009050), and Jiangsu Province Ordinary.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, People’s Republic of China

    Yi Li, Yuming Wang, Linhua Liu, Dawei Wang & Wenlong Zhang

  2. College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, People’s Republic of China

    Dawei Wang

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  1. Yi Li
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  2. Yuming Wang
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  3. Linhua Liu
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  4. Dawei Wang
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  5. Wenlong Zhang
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Correspondence to Dawei Wang.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Li, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, L. et al. Ag/ZnO hollow sphere composites: reusable photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of 17α-ethinylestradiol. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21, 5177–5186 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2133-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2133-8

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