2609005132
  • Open Access
  • Article

Synthesis and Characterization of Ternary Metallic Oxide (Zn-Mn-AgO) Nanoparticles and Their Photocatalytic Degradation Performance for Malachite Green Dye

  • Muhammad Rahim 1,   
  • Shafeeq Ur Rahman 1,   
  • Shahab Khan 1,2,*,   
  • Kashif Iqbal 3,   
  • Asad Ullah 1

Received: 08 Jul 2026 | Revised: 28 Aug 2026 | Accepted: 09 Sep 2026 | Published: 22 Sep 2026

Abstract

In this work, a Zn-Mn-AgO ternary metal oxide nanoparticle was prepared through a straightforward co-precipitation route and evaluated as a photocatalyst for degrading malachite green dye. We used Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to characterize the trimetallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs). The SEM images reveal a spherical, dense, and agglomerated particle morphology. The average particle size was estimated at 51 nm using ImageJ software (version 1.53t, National Institutes of Health, USA). The results confirm the formation of ternary metal oxide nanoparticles (Zn-Mn-AgO NPs). About 93–95.26% degradation of the selected dye was calculated within 125 min. The effect of time, pH, and concentration was also studied.

Graphical Abstract

References 

  • 1.

    Gour, A.; Jain, N.K. Advances in green synthesis of nanoparticles. Artif. Cells Nanomed. Biotechnol. 2019, 47, 844–851. https://doi.org/10.1080/21691401.2019.1577878.

  • 2.

    Chen, P.; Li, H.; Song, S.; et al. Adsorption of dodecylamine hydrochloride on graphene oxide in water. Results Phys. 2017, 7, 2281–2288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2017.06.054.

  • 3.

    de Jesús Ruíz-Baltazar, Á.; Reyes-López, S.Y.; Pérez, R. Magnetic structures synthesized by controlled oxidative etching: Structural characterization and magnetic behavior. Results Phys. 2017, 7, 1828–1832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2017.05.001.

  • 4.

    Baskakov, A.; Soloveva, A.; Ioni, Y.; et al. Magnetic and interface properties of the core-shell Fe3O4/Au nanocomposites. Appl. Surf. Sci. 2017, 422, 638–644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.06.029.

  • 5.

    Mohammadiyan, E.; Ghafuri, H.; Kakanejadifard, A. Synthesis and characterization of a magnetic Fe3O4@CeO2 nanocomposite decorated with Ag nanoparticle and investigation of synergistic effects of Ag on photocatalytic activity. Optik 2018, 166, 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2018.03.044.

  • 6.

    Fazlzadeh, M.; Rahmani, K.; Zarei, A.; et al. A novel green synthesis of zero valent iron nanoparticles (NZVI) using three plant extracts and their efficient application for removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. Adv. Powder Technol. 2017, 28, 122–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2016.09.003.

  • 7.

    Khan, S.; Ullah, I.; Khan, H.; et al. Green synthesis of AgNPs from leaves extract of Salvia sclarea, their characterization, antibacterial activity, and catalytic reduction ability. Z. Phys. Chem. 2024, 238, 931–947. https://doi.org/10.1515/zpch-2023-0363.

  • 8.

    Buzea, C.; Pacheco, I.I.; Robbie, K. Nanomaterials and nanoparticles: Sources and toxicity. Biointerphases 2007, 2, MR17–MR71. https://doi.org/10.1116/1.2815690.

  • 9.

    Ji, S.R.; Liu, C.; Zhang, B.; et al. Carbon nanotubes in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Biochim. Biophys. Acta Rev. Cancer 2010, 1806, 29–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbcan.2010.02.004.

  • 10.

    Arivalagan, K.; Ravichandran, S.; Rangasamy, K.; et al. Nanomaterials and its Potential Applications. Int. J. ChemTech. Res. 2011, 3, 534–538.

  • 11.

    Khan, F.H. Chemical hazards of nanoparticles to human and environment (A review). Orient. J. Chem. 2013, 29, 1399–1408. https://doi.org/10.13005/ojc/290415.

  • 12.

    Abdel-Mohsen, A.M.; Abdel-Rahman, R.M.; Hrdina, R.; et al. Antibacterial cotton fabrics treated with core-shell nanoparticles. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2012, 50, 1245–1253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.03.018.

  • 13.

    Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.; Adak, D.; et al. Advancements in nano-engineering of cement and concrete: A comprehensive review. Emerg. Mater. 2025, 8, 5843–5882. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42247-025-01003-0.

  • 14.

    Jang, Y.J.; Simer, C.; Ohm, T. Comparison of zinc oxide nanoparticles and its nano-crystalline particles on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Mater. Res. Bull. 2006, 41, 67–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.07.038.

  • 15.

    Ganapathy Selvam, G.; Sivakumar, K. Phycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye using silver (Ag) nanoparticles synthesized from Hypnea musciformis (Wulfen) J.V. Lamouroux. Appl. Nanosci. 2015, 5, 617–622. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-014-0356-8.

  • 16.

    Jangjoy, A.; Matloub, S. Optimizing carbon-based perovskite solar cells with pyramidal core–shell nanoparticles for high efficiency. Plasmonics 2025, 20, 265–275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-024-02277-6.

  • 17.

    Hammal, A.; Al-Qassabeen, B.S.; Hafez, K. Improving solar panel performance using a paraffin wax/copper oxide nanoparticle hybrid phase change material. Sci. Rep. 2025, 15, 37908. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-37908-8.

  • 18.

    Mirzaei, H.; Darroudi, M. Zinc oxide nanoparticles: Biological synthesis and biomedical applications. Ceram. Int. 2017, 43, 907–914. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2016.10.051.

  • 19.

    Khan, S.T.; Musarrat, J.; Al-Khedhairy, A.A. Countering drug resistance, infectious diseases, and sepsis using metal and metal oxides nanoparticles: Current status. Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 2016, 146, 70–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.05.046.

  • 20.

    Ghasemi, F.; Jalal, R. Antimicrobial action of zinc oxide nanoparticles in combination with ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. J. Glob. Antimicrob. Resist. 2016, 6, 118–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2016.04.007.

  • 21.

    Sarsenov, S. Hollow CuO Microparticles for the Efficient Degradation of Model Pollutant Dyes. Master’s Thesis, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan, 2022.

  • 22.

    Nguyen, T.B.; Dong, C.D.; Huang, C.; et al. Fe-Cu bimetallic catalyst for the degradation of hazardous organic chemicals exemplified by methylene blue in Fenton-like reaction. J. Environ. Chem. Eng. 2020, 8, 104139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2020.104139.

  • 23.

    Gupta, A.; Khosla, N.; Govindasamy, V.; et al. Trimetallic composite nanofibers for antibacterial and photocatalytic dye degradation of mixed dye water. Appl. Nanosci. 2020, 10, 4191–4205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-020-01540-6.

  • 24.

    de Oliveira Guidolin, T.; Possolli, N.M.; Polla, M.B.; et al. Photocatalytic pathway on the degradation of methylene blue from aqueous solutions using magnetite nanoparticles. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 318, 128556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128556.

  • 25.

    Zhang, L. Photocatalysts with Adsorption Property for Dye-Contaminated Water Purification. PhD Thesis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 2017. https://doi.org/10.14264/uql.2017.864.

  • 26.

    Nuramdhani, I. Towards Environmentally Benign Wastewater Treatment-Photocatalytic Study of Degradation of Industrial Dyes. Master’s Thesis, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, 2011.

  • 27.

    Mohamed, R.M.; Mkhalid, I.A.; Baeissa, E.S.; et al. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by Fe/ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles under visible light. J. Nanotechnol. 2012, 2012, 329082. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/329082.

  • 28.

    Akpan, U.G.; Hameed, B.H. Parameters affecting the photocatalytic degradation of dyes using TiO2-based photocatalysts: A review. J. Hazard. Mater. 2009, 170, 520–529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.05.039.

  • 29.

    Kumar, S.A.; Jarvin, M.; Inbanathan, S.S.R.; et al. Facile green synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using tea (Camellia sinensis) extract for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. Environ. Technol. Innov. 2022, 28, 102746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2022.102746.

  • 30.

    Ajmal, A.; Majeed, I.; Malik, R.N.; et al. Principles and mechanisms of photocatalytic dye degradation on TiO2 based photocatalysts: A comparative overview. RSC Adv. 2014, 4, 37003–37026. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4ra06658h.

  • 31.

    Khan, I.; Saeed, K.; Zekker, I.; et al. Review on methylene blue: Its properties, uses, toxicity and photodegradation. Water 2022, 14, 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14020242.

  • 32.

    Kayabaşı, Y.; Erbaş, O. Methylene blue and its importance in medicine. Demiroglu Sci. Univ. Florence Nightingale J. Med. 2020, 6, 136–145. https://doi.org/10.5606/fng.btd.2020.25035.

  • 33.

    Din, M.I.; Khalid, R.; Najeeb, J.; et al. Fundamentals and photocatalysis of methylene blue dye using various nanocatalytic assemblies—A critical review. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 298, 126567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126567.

  • 34.

    Yu, H.; Zhu, J.; Qiao, R.; et al. Facile Preparation and Controllable Absorption of a Composite Based on PMo12/Ag Nanoparticles: Photodegradation Activity and Mechanism. ChemistrySelect 2022, 7, e202103668. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202103668.

  • 35.

    Feng, X.; Wang, B.; Gao, G.; et al. MnyCo3−yOx bimetallic oxide prepared by ultrasonic technology for significantly improved catalytic performance in the reduction of NOx with NH3. Fuel 2023, 352, 129159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.129159.

  • 36.

    Zhang, J.; Zhong, A.; Huang, G.; et al. Enhanced efficiency with CDCA co-adsorption for dye-sensitized solar cells based on metallosalophen complexes. Sol. Energy 2020, 209, 316–324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.08.096.

  • 37.

    Hu, J.; Zhao, L.; Luo, J.; et al. A sustainable reuse strategy of converting waste activated sludge into biochar for contaminants removal from water: Modifications, applications and perspectives. J. Hazard. Mater. 2022, 438, 129437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129437.

  • 38.

    Wang, Z.; Dai, L.; Yao, J.; et al. Enhanced adsorption and reduction performance of nitrate by Fe–Pd–Fe3O4 embedded multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Chemosphere 2021, 281, 130718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130718.

  • 39.

    Yasin, A.; Fatima, U.; Shahid, S.; et al. Fabrication of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Passiflora edulis Extract for the Estimation of Antioxidant Potential and Photocatalytic Methylene Blue Dye Degradation. Agronomy 2022, 12, 2315. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102315.

  • 40.

    Iqbal, S.; Amjad, A.; Javed, M.; et al. Boosted spatial charge carrier separation of binary ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 heterojunction for visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial performance. Front. Chem. 2022, 10, 975355. https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2022.975355.

  • 41.

    Moosavi, S.; Li, R.Y.M.; Lai, C.W.; et al. Methylene blue dye photocatalytic degradation over synthesised Fe3O4/AC/TiO2 nano-catalyst: Degradation and reusability studies. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 2360. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10122360.

  • 42.

    Samsudin, E.M.; Goh, S.N.; Wu, T.Y.; et al. Evaluation on the photocatalytic degradation activity of reactive blue 4 using pure anatase nano-TiO2. Sains Malays. 2015, 44, 1011–1019. https://doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2015-4407-13.

  • 43.

    Alalwiat, A.A.; Khan, M.; Khan, S.; et al. Synthesis and characterization of a bulk-polymerized molecularly imprinted polymer for selective batch adsorption of Acid Yellow 76 dye from real water samples. Int. J. Chem. React. Eng. 2026, 24, 473–487. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2025-0231.

  • 44.

    Khan, S.; Ajmal, S.; Hussain, T.; et al. Clay-based materials for enhanced water treatment: Adsorption mechanisms, challenges, and future directions. J. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Appl. Sci. 2025, 11, 219–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43994-023-00083-0.

  • 45.

    Mahlaule-Glory, L.M.; Hintsho-Mbita, N.C. Green Derived Zinc Oxide (ZnO) for the Degradation of Dyes from Wastewater and Their Antimicrobial Activity: A Review. Catalysts 2022, 12, 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12080833.

  • 46.

    Elkady, M.F.; Hassan, H.S. Photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye from aqueous solution using environmentally compatible Ag/ZnO polymeric nanofibers. Polymers 2021, 13, 2033. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13132033.

  • 47.

    Saleem, S.; Khalid, A.; Munir, M.A.; et al. A comprehensive role of co-doping (Ce, Al) in dielectric, magnetic, and optical properties of NiO for its efficient use in magneto-optical and spintronics device applications. Ceram. Int. 2025, 51, 4971–4987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.11.469.

  • 48.

    Mufti, N.; Pratiwi, N.I.; Kurniawan, R.; et al. ZnO/Ag thin film and reuse for Malachite Green degradation based on solar simulator. AIP Conf. Proc. 2023, 2858, 060011. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0163573.

  • 49.

    Hussain, A.; Fiaz, S.; Almohammedi, A.; et al. Optimizing photocatalytic performance with Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization. Heliyon 2024, 10, e35725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35725.

  • 50.

    Onoriode-Afunezie, M.A.O.; Krutkevičius, J.; Šulčiūtė, A. Design and application of hetero-multicomponent metal oxide photocatalysts for wastewater treatment: Ti–Cu–Zn catalysts and future research directions. Molecules 2026, 31, 299. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020299.

  • 51.

    Jeong, S.H.; Choi, H.; Kim, J.Y.; et al. Silver-based nanoparticles for surface plasmon resonance in organic optoelectronics. Part. Part. Syst. Charact. 2015, 32, 164–175. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppsc.201400117.

  • 52.

    Chen, Y.C.; Liu, B.Y.; Feng, Y.; et al. Light-induced antibonding orbital occupancy accelerates ion intercalation kinetics for enhanced capacitance of photo-rechargeable supercapacitor based on MnO2/ZnO electrode. J. Energy Storage 2026, 152, 120610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2026.120610.

Share this article:
How to Cite
Rahim, M.; Rahman, S. U.; Khan, S.; Iqbal, K.; Ullah, A. Synthesis and Characterization of Ternary Metallic Oxide (Zn-Mn-AgO) Nanoparticles and Their Photocatalytic Degradation Performance for Malachite Green Dye. Low-Dimensional Materials 2026, 2 (3), 10. https://doi.org/10.53941/ldm.2026.1000010.
RIS
BibTex
Copyright & License
article copyright Image
Copyright (c) 2026 by the authors.
Article Metrics
30
Article Views
0
Citations