Abstract: Ag-modified nano-ZnO samples with different Ag loadings were prepared by the ammonia immersion method. The crystal structure, specific surface area, surface composition, and spectral characteristics were analyzed byX-raydiffraction, N2 adsorption,X-rayphotoelectron spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO samples for degradation of nonylphenol ethoxylate-10 (NPE-10) was studied under the irradiation with ultraviolet light and visible light. The results showed that Ag could be successfully supported on the nano-ZnO surface. The particle size of Ag/ZnO increased and its specific surface area decreased with the increase of Ag loading. Compared with the nano-ZnO, the binding energy of Ag 3d5/2in Ag/ZnO dropped, but the binding energy of Zn 2p and O 1s increased. The contents of adsorbed oxygen and hydroxy oxygen on the Ag/ZnO surface increased remarkably in contrast to that of the pure ZnO sample. The 0.5%Ag/ZnO exhibited a red shift in the absorption spectrum. The photocatalytic activity of the 0.5%Ag/ZnO sample was the highest, and the degradation rate of NPE-10 was 77% and 56% under 3 h irradiation of ultraviolet light and visible light, respectively.

Key words: silver, zinc oxide, ultraviolet light, visible light, photocatalysis, degradation, nonylphenol ethoxylate-10, surfactant