Highly photocatalyst efficient in LEDs/solar active and reusable: Sm–ZnO–Ag nanoparticles for methylene blue degradation

The precipitation–decomposition method was used to prepare the photocatalyst (Sm–ZnO–Ag). Synthesized catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope images, and optical spectroscopy. The activity of photocatalyst of Sm–ZnO– Ag was checked for the photodegradation of thiazin-type methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution using light emitting diodes/solar illumination. Sm–ZnO–Ag is found to be excellent competent than Ag–ZnO, Sm–ZnO and ZnO nanoparticles. The absorbance of ZnO was shifted into the visible region by the dopants (Ag and Sm). The influences of operational parameters such as initial pH, dose of photocatalyst and dye concentration on photomineralization of MB have been analyzed. Sunlight (16 min) gives excellent results in photocatalytic degradation compared to LED (80 min). The microbial zones of Sm–ZnO–Ag (Nps) showed free radical generation. The Sm–ZnO–Ag catalyst is stable and it’s reusable. A degradation mechanism is proposed for the photodegradation of MB under LED/solar light.