Fabrication of novel Ag nanoparticles decorated ZrO2/g-C3N4 ternary heterojunction interface for photocatalytic reduction of nitroaromatic compounds

Photocatalytic reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to aniline is a promising and green technique. Herein, a novel and highly efficient Ag-ZrO2/g–C3N4 ternary heterojunction has been synthesized by decorating Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on ZrO2/g–C3N4 via ultrasonication method. The prepared heterostructures were characterized by XRD, UV–vis DRS, BET, STEM, EDX, XPS, Raman, and PL spectroscopic techniques. The photocatalytic efficiency of Ag-ZrO2/g–C3N4 was evaluated by the reduction of nitrobenzene (NB) to aniline (AN) under visible light without reducing agent. The structure and photocatalytic performance of Ag-ZrO2/g–C3N4 was compared with Ag-ZrO2, ZrO2, and g–C3N4. Among the as-prepared photocatalysts, Ag-ZrO2/g–C3N4 has demonstrated the highest photocatalytic efficiency, with 100% reduction of NB to AN in 8 min under visible light. The excellent photocatalytic reduction efficiency of Ag-ZrO2/g–C3N4 can be ascribed to the formation of a good interface between Ag, ZrO2 and g-C3N4. The as-prepared Ag-ZrO2/g–C3N4 exhibited good stability during numerous reaction cycles. As a result, the photocatalyst presents a reliable and efficient solution for reducing nitroaromatic compounds, which can be highly useful in industry and contribute to creating a healthier and more environmentally friendly atmosphere.