Role of Ag and tannin modification on photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of ZnO nanoplates

Abstract

This study represents the removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution using ZnO, Ag/ZnO, ZnO/tannin and Ag/ZnO/tannin. The products were synthesized by microwave-hydrothermal and borohydride reduction method and they were characterized by optical, structural, morphological, antibacterial and photocatalytic features. Additionally, the antibacterial studies of the prepared products were examined against Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Candida by the well diffusion method. Among the products, Ag/ZnO exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity. The photodegradation efficiency of 98.68% was recorded for Ag/ZnO after 30 min. Moreover, improved antibacterial activity of Ag/ZnO/tannin against E. Coli, S. aureus and Candida is observed. And it was found that Ag/ZnO/tannin had more excellent antibacterial activity compared to others. It has been found that the prepared products can be used in potential applications such decompose of dye pollutants and destruction of pathogen bacteria and fungi.