Analyzation of photocatalytic degradation efficiency of an Ag-doped α-Zn2V2O7 nanoparticle on methylene blue dye in sunlight exposure and its potential antimicrobial activities

Ag (2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt%) doped α-Zn₂V₂O₇ were synthesized through the hydrothermal method. The impact of different doping percentages on their photocatalytic properties and antibacterial activities was investigated, the sample doped at 6 wt% of Ag exhibited the most superior photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. X-ray diffraction analysis of the doped nanoparticles at different percentages confirmed the monoclinic structure of the synthesized Ag doped α-Zn₂V₂O₇ nanoparticles. The average crystallite size, calculated using Scherrer’s formula, was observed to increase with the rise in doping percentage. The morphological properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed through SEM analysis. EDAX spectra confirmed the presence of Ag, Zn, V, and O in the prepared nanoparticles. XPS survey of the prepared sample revealed the presence of Ag, Zn, O, and V without any impurities, except for a small amount of absorbed carbon, and the spectra also confirmed that the sample consisted of a phase of Ag-doped Zn₂V₂O₇. The reduction of band gap values with the increase in doping percentage was identified through UV–visible spectrophotometer investigation. The broad peak of PL emission spectra in the green wavelength region suggested the creation of deep energy levels inside the band gap of the nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized sample in the degradation of methylene blue dye under sunlight was studied using a UV–visible spectrometer. The efficiency of degradation improved with an increase in doping concentration, achieving peak efficiency in the sample doped at 6 wt%. Values rose from 90.34 for 2 wt% Ag to 99.77 for 6 wt% Ag. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized chemical compounds was tested with strains Gram-negative against the bacterial strain of Escherichia coli, resulting in the formation of zones of inhibition. The inhibition zones for bacteria associated with Ag-doped α-Zn₂V₂O₇ increased from 5 mm at 2 wt% Ag to 23 mm at 6 wt% Ag. The 6 wt% nanoparticles displayed efficient antimicrobial properties compared to others, attributed to their exceptionally large surface area, which allows for better contact with the cell walls of microorganisms.