Enhancing photocatalytic performance: studying the synthesis and characterization of AgI-tuned TiO2/ZnO hybrid ternary nanocomposites

Eliminating phenol and other contaminants from wastewater is an essential point in addressing environmental issues. Using tailored photocatalysts is essential for the effective degradation of phenol via photocatalysis. The main objective of this study is to produce TiO2/ZnO/AgI nanocomposites employing the reflux approach in order to enhance the degradation of phenol in the presence of UV radiation. The nanocomposite incorporates TiO2 and ZnO, resulting in a narrowed band gap that enhances photocatalytic activity. The addition of AgI enhances electron transport capacities, resulting in an inclusive augmentation in performance. The physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite were extensively investigated applying an array of advanced techniques including as XRD, BET, FESEM, TEM, EDX and TGA spectroscopy practices. The combined effect of TiO2, ZnO, and AgI exhibits an approximately 100% degradation of phenol, exceeding the individual performance of each component. The outcomes indicated that the operational parameters have a substantial impact on the photocatalytic activity, and the addition of H2O2 also improves degradation. The ideal conditions require a low concentration of H2O2 and a dose of 0.3 g/350 mL of nanocomposite. The reaction rate constant was reported as 6.96 × 10−3 min−1 under optimised conditions. The ternary nanocomposite exhibited recyclability for four successive cycles, eventually displaying ∼88% degradation. The TiO2/ZnO/AgI nanocomposite system exhibits significant photocatalytic efficiency, which has important consequences for addressing environmental concerns caused by the persistent existence of various organic contaminants in water sources.