Synthesis, structural, and optical characterizations of zinc oxide: silver oxide nanoparticles conjunction with polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone

Abstract

Pulsed laser ablation (PLA) technology has been utilized for creating nano-sized particles from silver oxide, zinc oxide, and mixed oxide (Ag2O, ZnO, ZnO: Ag2O) combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for environmental applications, especially the filtration regarding oil-polluted water in rivers. A range of analytical methods have been employed to describe the prepared as well as polymer-supported nanomaterials' characteristics. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning \ transmission electron microscopy (SEM \ TEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction \ fluorescence (XRD \ XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements (PL) were among them. The nanocomposite ZnO: Ag2O showed numerous nanostructures with diverse orientations, according to XRD analysis. SEM imaging of the Ag2O nanoparticles indicated polydispersed spherical particles with widespread aggregation. Furthermore, the study incorporated the use of polymer-supported nanomaterials, with PVP selected for its excellent chemical and thermal resistance. Various membrane structures with differing porosities were prepared and effectively employed for the filtration of oil-polluted water, as validated through TEM, XRF, and other measurements. In this context, the polymer functioned akin to a sponge for water pollution remediation.