Microwave Combustion Synthesis of Ag/ZrO 2 Nanocomposite: An Efficient Catalyst for Reduction of Nitroarenes and Dye Degradation

Abstract Waste water treatment for wide‐range of contaminants requires efficient and economical technologies. Ag/ZrO 2 nanocomposites present a promising solution by integrating the catalytic and antimicrobial attributes of silver with the highly stable zirconia. Contemporary nanotechnology‐driven approaches for nitro arenes mitigation, particularly those employing Ag/ZrO 2 nanocomposites, frequently face problems associated with agglomeration, inadequate stability, cost, and restricted recyclability, hence hindering their large‐scale application. Synthesis of Ag/ZrO 2 composites in different ratios along with its pristine by microwave assisted combustion is reported. Ag was found to be formed in fcc, while ZrO 2 in cubic phase as analyzed through XRD. Morphologically, silver was formed in bundles and ZrO 2 with sponge‐like porous structure as revealed by SEM. The composites differed in their morphologies compared to their pure forms. TEM, XPS and BET analyses of Ag/ZrO 2 (2:1) composite inferred the formation of the composite with good association between Ag and ZrO 2 , elements in expected oxidation states and surface area of 25.2 m 2 /g. Among all, Ag/ZrO 2 (2:1) composite exhibited best catalytic activity towards both nitro reduction and photocatalytic dye degradation. A rate constant of 1.1771 and 0.045 min −1 was obtained for 4‐NP and congo red removal respectively. The composite exhibited good stability towards repeated usage.