Photocatalytic degradation of phosphamidon using Ag-doped ZnO nanorods

The photocatalytic degradation of the organo-phosphorous pesticide phosphamidon at low concentration in aqueous solution on Ag-doped ZnO nanorods was investigated. Nanosized Ag-doped ZnO rods were synthesized by using a microwave assisted aqueous method. High molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol was used as a stabilizing agent. Composition and structure were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern reveals that ZnO nanorods are of hexagonal wurtzite structure. The average crystallite size calculated from Scherrer's relation was found to be 30?nm. The effects of catalyst loading, pH value, and initial concentration of phosphamidon on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency using Ag-doped ZnO nanorods as a photocatalyst have been discussed. The results revealed that Ag-doped ZnO nanorods with a diameter of 30?nm showed highest photocatalytic activity at a surface density of 1?g?dm^?3. The catalyst doped with 0.2?mol% Ag is effective for the degradation of phosphamidon with visible light. This opens a new possibility to decompose pesticides that are present in wastewater.