Synthesis and visible light photocatalytic activity of silver zinc phosphates

Abstract

Currently, photocatalytic materials in common use mainly use ultraviolet light, but the amount of ultraviolet light contained in sunlight is limited and their energy efficiency is known to be low. Therefore, there is a need for a compound that shows photocatalytic activity in visible light, and silver phosphate matches this requirement, but it is relatively expensive. In this study, photocatalytic materials that could use visible light and were relatively inexpensive were attempted to be prepared. Specifically, samples were prepared by changing the silver/zinc molar ratio (Ag/Zn = 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40), and each sample was evaluated and examined from chemical composition, particle size, and functionality (UV-Vis. reflectance spectra, photocatalytic activity evaluation using methylene blue degradation reaction, and antibacterial property evaluation). It was found that silver phosphate was formed even in the sample with the lowest silver ratio, Ag/Zn = 60/40, showing high visible light responsive photocatalytic activity and antibacterial activity against E. coli. Ag/Zn = 60/40, showing high visible light responsive photocatalytic activity and antibacterial activity against E. coli.