Ag₂O–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ Trimetallic Nanocatalyst for High Performance Photodegradation of Nicosulfuron Herbicide

Abstract: In the present study, Ag₂O–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ based trimetallic oxide nanocatalyst was designed using simple microwave assisted reduction method. It was characterized using various techniques such as Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), electron microscopy [scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM)] and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). It was utilized for the degradation of nicosulfuron herbicide and the influence of microwave (MW) and UV radiations on the degradation rate was also studied. Maximum of 78% degradation was obtained within 50 min. Scavenging studies showed the major involvement of ^·OH and ^·O₂⁻ radicals in the degradation process. Possible heterostructures (traditional and Z-scheme) with their possible charge transfer were also studied. Nyquist plots and photoluminescence (PL) analysis showed the high charge transfer and lowered recombination in Ag₂O–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂. Possible degradation mechanism was also developed using LC–MS. Reusability studies were carried out for consecutive 5 cycles and results indicated the appreciable photocatalytic ability after every repeated cycles. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].