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Synthesis of C3N4-decorated ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles via calcination of ZIF-8 and melamine for photocatalytic removal of methyl orange

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Abstract

The C3N4-decorated ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using melamine and ZIF-8 as precursors after thermal treatment under air condition. The results from the structural analysis suggested that the presence of the metallic Ag as well as C3N4 in the composite and the introduction of the melamine could slightly enhance the aggregation of the particles of the three dimensional structure of ZnO and Ag/ZnO. However, the presence of C3N4 and Ag could boost the utilization of the light and increase the separation of electrons and holes. Finally, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange indicated that the C3N4-decorated ZnO and Ag/ZnO displayed an enhanced ability in comparison with pure ZnO and C3N4, which suggested that the synergistic effect of Ag and C3N4 played an important role in the catalytic process.

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Acknowledgements

The Key Research and Development Projects of Anhui Province (1804a09020075) is appreciated for the financial support. The Key Project (ZRC2016477), the project of AKZDXK2015A01 of Anhui Science and Technology University, as well as the Open Project (KF201601) of Key lab of Novel Thin Film Solar Cells are appreciated for the financial support. Lei Bai also wants to thank the Talent introduction project of Anhui Science and Technology University (No. 830166) for the financial support.

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  1. College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu, 233000, Anhui, China

    Zirong Li, Jinxiang Mei & Lei Bai

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  1. Zirong Li
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  2. Jinxiang Mei
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  3. Lei Bai
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Correspondence to Lei Bai.

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Li, Z., Mei, J. & Bai, L. Synthesis of C3N4-decorated ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles via calcination of ZIF-8 and melamine for photocatalytic removal of methyl orange. Chem. Pap. 73, 883–889 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-018-0656-7

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