Worm-Like Ag/ZnO Core–Shell Heterostructural Composites: Fabrication, Characterization, and Photocatalysis

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Novel worm-like Ag/ZnO core–shell heterostructural composites were fabricated using a two-step chemical method. As-prepared silver nanowires were soaked in a solution of zinc acetate and triethanolamine to form worm-like Ag/ZnO core–shell composites under ultrasonic irradiation. Samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectroscopy, and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The results show that the core–shell composites are composed of single-crystal Ag nanowires serving as the core, on which dense ZnO particles grow as the shell. The surface plasmon absorption band of Ag/ZnO composites is distinctly broadened and red shifted to monometallic Ag nanowires. The PL intensity of Ag/ZnO heterostructural composites varies and has the minimum intensity for the sample prepared with Ag of 2.8 atom %. Moreover, photocatalytic tests show that the Ag/ZnO composites exhibit higher photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO particles.