Solar assisted generation of plasmonic silver photocatalyst for wastewater remediation and green hydrogen production

Abstract

The present study aims to develop sustainable technologies to address the imperative problems of water pollution and energy crisis. This research involves the solar-driven synthesis of a plasmonic silver photocatalyst with properties that aid in environmental and energy applications. The structural, optical, and catalytic properties of the developed photocatalyst are investigated using several analytical techniques, including XRD, XPS, UV-Vis, FESEM, HRTEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The developed photocatalyst is capable of degradation of organic pollutants present in wastewater. The photodegradation capability of photocatalyst is assessed through a comprehensive study of the reaction kinetics involved and the determination of quantum efficiency. Moreover, the photocatalyst also contributes to transition to a green economy via hydrogen production through water splitting. Although the solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of the silver photocatalyst is not appreciable but it paves out way for the development of an efficient photocatalyst by doping or using it as a co-catalyst with semiconductor materials. Thus, the entire study contributes significantly to the development of a clean and sustainable future and takes a step towards the transformation to a renewable energy-based economy.