Designing highly potential photocatalytic comprising silver deposited ZnO NPs with sulfurized graphitic carbon nitride (Ag/ZnO/S-g-C3N4) ternary composite

A series of ternary-composite were synthesized by the integration of 7% silver-mixed ZnO NPs with different contents (3.5–75 wt%) of sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (S-g-C3N4). A unique ternary-composite formed between Ag/ZnO and S-g-C3N4 generates a vast number of catalytic active sites for photocatalytic degradation. The as-synthesized 7% Ag/ZnO nanocomposite showed maximum methylene blue (MB) degradation rate among the series (0–9%) under visible light. The synergistic effects of the Ag/ZnO/S-g-C3N4 ternary-composite enhanced photocatalytic activity, and photo-corrosion resistance was demonstrated successfully. The photo-corrosion of ZnO NPs was inhibited by simultaneous mixing Ag and coupling with S-g-C3N4, which was verified through cyclic photo-degradation with six consecutive dye degradation tests. Interestingly, the 25% Ag/ZnO/S-g-C3N4 ternary-composite exhibited a significant increase in photodegradation of MB.