Hybridization of Metal Nanoparticle of ZnAl Layered Double Hydroxide and its Application for Photocatalyst Phenol Degradation

ZnAl LDH has been successfully prepared as single phase by urea as precipitant. Anion exchange is conducted for Ag(CN)2 intercalation. After the LDH has been intercalated by Ag(CN)2 , the anion is reduced into Ag(0) state. The structure of Ag-intercalated LDH was examined by synchrotron XRD. In the sample, the Ag(0) exists at closer position than center between hydroxide layers due to no coordinated H2O molecules. UV-vis spectra confirm the existence of surface plasmon resonance at around 380 nm. Finally, the LDH has been examined for its photocatalytic activity by phenol degradation in the aqueous solution with Xe light irradiation. The concentration of phenol is continuously decreased during photocatalyst process by the ZnAl/Ag LDH sample. The degradation rate of the sample is much better than those of the pure LDH and unreduced samples. In this case, phenol solution with the concentration of 20 mg/L can be degraded completely for 120 min.