Applications of Ag-Doped ZnO-TiO2 Nanocomposites in Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Processes: A Novel Therapeutic Alternate

Applications of Ag-Doped ZnO-TiO2 Nanocomposites in Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Processes: A Novel Therapeutic Alternate | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Applications of Ag-Doped ZnO-TiO2 Nanocomposites in Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Processes: A Novel Therapeutic Alternate Praseetha P.K., Vijayakumar S., Vibala B.V., Beena Kanimozhi R., and 2 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6103819/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Materials and alternative therapeutic agents are of high demand due to ever growing risk of epidemics and chronic ailments. In this study, we present Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites as photocatalysts and antioxidants that can act as possible therapeutics for many non-communicable diseases. The nanocomposites were fabricated through sol-gel synthesis and underwent thorough examination employing UV spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We conducted a more in-depth analysis of their photo-catalytic activity and assessed their antioxidant capability by a reducing assay and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites that exhibit excellent performance and enhanced photo-catalytic and antioxidant characteristics. Photocatalytic activity revealed that Ag doping increased the efficiency of dye degradation by 100% against 80% by undoped ZnO-TiO₂. Moreover, the optical badgap decreased from 2.48 eV to 2.31 eV in the presence of Ag doping, suggesting better visible light absorption. Antioxidant activity was enhanced by ~ 35%, and reducing power assay recorded ~ 40% reduced absorbance in comparison to ascorbic acid standard. This suggests that they possess significant potential for diverse applications in medicine to bring forth solutions to incurable medical ailments that are challenging currently. Nanocomposites Antioxidant Photocatalysis Therapeutics Sol-gel synthesis Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 1. Introduction Nanoscale materials represent the forefront of scientific and commercial advancement. Among the most captivating inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are silver, copper, titanium, and zinc, renowned for their diverse applications and efficacy against pathogenic bacteria [ 1 – 4 ]. The size-dependent physical and chemical properties of NPs have been extensively researched over the years, with increasing interest in nano-oxides [ 5 – 7 ]. Their selective attributes have rendered them highly sought-after in pharmaceutical and biological domains [ 8 ], demonstrating rapid microbial eradication in laboratory settings [ 9 – 12 ]. NPs pervade the food chain at the ecosystem's basal levels, underscoring the importance of antioxidant intervention [ 13 , 14 ]. Recent attention has centred on Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) NPs, leveraging their distinct optical, electrical, and chemical characteristics. TiO 2 , prized for its photosensitivity, efficiency, non-toxicity, potent oxidizing capabilities, affordability, and chemical stability, stands as a favored antioxidant photocatalyst [ 15 ]. Meanwhile, Zinc oxide serves as a promising photo-catalyst and vital antioxidant, boasting low-cost, bio-compatible, highly catalytic, and environmentally friendly traits [ 16 , 17 ]. Extensive studies have been performed to enhance the photo-catalytic performance of TiO 2 [ 18 – 20 ] and ZnO [ 21 – 24 ], focusing on factors such as crystalline structure, doping, surface area, and presence of hydroxyl group [ 19 – 26 ]. Metal dopants like silver (Ag) are being utilized to augment photo-catalyst efficiency, with Ag demonstrating exceptional stability, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. Ag doping on metal oxides has shown promise in mitigating rapid electron-hole recombination processes, thereby enhancing antioxidant properties [ 23 , 24 , 27 , and 28 ]. Consequently, Ag-doped TiO 2 and ZnO were synthesized via the sol-gel method, with subsequent assessment of their antioxidant and photocatalytic performances. Importance of antioxidants represents a logical therapeutic advancement for the prevention and therapy of oxidative stress-related liver diseases. Antioxidants available in edible or medicinal plants often have proven free radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant characteristics. These antioxidants are also believed to set the cornerstone for further bio-activities and health advantages. The photo-catalytic effect proves the inherent ability of these nanomaterials to act against viral and bacterial infections through irradiation. UV combined with TiO 2 -based microbicidal technologies could be a useful tool to lessen the increase of infections now more than in the past [ 29 , 30 ]. 2. Material and methods 2.1. Sol-Gel Synthesis method 2.1.1. AG-doped TiO 2 -ZnO Nanocomposite Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 composites with a 0.3% Ag loading were synthesized as follows Initially, 15 ml of titanium isopropoxide was introduced into 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol and vigorously stirred to form solution A. Concurrently, solution B was prepared by adding appropriate quantities of Zn(NO 3 ) 2 6H 2 O and Ag(NO 3 ) 2 6H 2 O to a mixture comprising 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol, 6.5 ml of acetic acid, and 2.5 ml of ultrapure water. The gradual addition of solution B into solution A, with vigorous agitation over 2 hours, yielded a white, translucent solution. Subsequently, the as-prepared sol was allowed to age for 48 hours, continued by drying at 100°C for 12 hours. Finally, the dried composite underwent calcination at 450°C for 2 hours in a microwave-muffle furnace. 2.1.2. ZnO-TiO 2 Nanocomposite To begin, 15 ml of titanium isopropoxide was added to 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol and vigorously stirred, forming solution A. Meanwhile, solution B, comprising 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol, 6.5 ml of acetic acid, and 2.5 ml of de-ionized water, was prepared. By gradually incorporating solution B into solution A and vigorously agitating for 2 hours, a white, translucent solution was achieved. The resulting sol was aged for 48 hours, followed by drying at 100°C for 12 hours. Subsequently, the dried material was calcinated at 450°C for 2 hours using a microwave muffle furnace. The resulting powder from both ZnO-TiO 2 composites and Ag-doped composites was examined and compared for their photocatalytic and antioxidant properties [ 31 ]. 2.2. Characterization studies 2.2.1 UV spectroscopy analysis UV-visible spectroscopy (Systronics, India) Model 2202) with a 2 nm width of the slit and a 10 mm cell at room temperatures was used to analyze Ag-doped ZnO/TiO 2 composites. The composite was proximately analyzed in visible and UV light at 300–800 nm. We centrifuged the composites at 1109 RCF for 10 min and filtered them through Whatman filter paper for UV-Vis spectroscopy testing. The sample was diluted 1:10 with the same solvent [ 32 ]. 2.2.2. FT-IR Analysis Functional moieties present in the extract were detected using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy (Bruker, Alpha T, and Germany). To obtain the absorption spectra, a small amount of composites was mixed with dried potassium bromide and pressed into a KBr-thin disc using a mortar and compressed at 6 bars for 2 minutes. The resulting disc was positioned in a diffuse reflectance accessory sample cup, and IR spectra were acquired with an infrared spectrometer (Bruker Alpha T, Germany 70) scanning from 4000 to 400 cm^-1. Peak values from both FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy were recorded [ 33 ]. 2.2.3. XRD Analysis Following a 15-minute centrifugation at 12320 RCF, the produced nanocomposites were re-dispersed in sterile double-distilled water and centrifuged for an additional 10 minutes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy (Pan Analytical, X-pert Pro, and Netherlands) was performed on the purified pellets after oven drying at 50°C. XRD measurements utilized Cu-Kα radiation source at 45 kV and 40 mA, with a scattering range of 20–80 degrees. This analysis provided insights into the synthesized nanocomposites' crystalline nature, existence, phase variety, and grain size. The particle size of the processed samples was finalized using Scherrer's equation, $$\:\text{D}=\text{c}\frac{K\lambda\:}{\beta\:\text{cos}{\theta\:}}$$ D is the crystallite size (nm), K is the shape factor (typically 0.9), λ is the X-ray wavelength (usually 0.15406 nm for Cu Kα radiation), β is the full width at half maximum (FWHM) in radians, θ is the Bragg angle in degrees [ 34 ]. 2.2.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) The morphometry and geometry of the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite were examined using a FEI Nova Nanolab 200 scanning electron microscope, manufactured by an FEI firm in Hillsboro, Oregon, USA. The elemental content of the nanoparticle colloid was analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) using a Bruker X-flash detector (Bruker, Bremen, Germany). The electron beam was maintained at an energy level of 15 keV together for imaging and EDX analysis [ 35 ]. 2.2.5. Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 Nanocomposites Photocatalytic Activity The photocatalytic activity was estimated by measuring the fading of reactive brilliant Rhodamine B in an aqueous solution. Photo catalysts (100 mg) were dispersed in a 100 ml Rhodamine B aqueous solution containing 0.2 g of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 composite and were exposed to sunlight. Results were assessed at 10-minute intervals for 60 minutes. UV-visible analysis was conducted on seven samples at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes to determine the degradation rate [ 36 ]. 2.3. Antioxidant Studies 2.3.1. Reducing Power Assay A solution containing 500 µl of 2M phosphate buffer with pH 6.6 and 500 µl of 1% potassium ferricyanide was mixed with approximately 100 µl of the extract. This mixture was then incubated at 50°C for twenty minutes. After the incubation period, 500 µl of 10% trichloroacetic acid was mixed and continued by centrifugation at 1109 RCF for 10 minutes. The top layer of the components was combined with 100 µl of 0.1% ferric chloride solution and equal volumes of distilled water. The absorbance was calculated at 700 nm, with ethanol used instead of the extract to create a blank sample. 2.3.2. Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Assay A 2 mM solution of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was prepared in a 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. A 100 µL sample was shifted to a test tube to achieve an optimal concentration of 200 µg/mL in the reaction mixture. The total volume was adjusted to 400 µL using 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. After the addition of 600 µL of H 2 O 2 solution, the vials were vigorously mixed, and the absorbance at 230 nm was measured in 10 minutes, relative to a blank sample. Ascorbic acid was employed as a positive control. The percentage of the scavenging capacity of samples (extract or fraction) for H 2 O 2 was estimated using the formula: The percentage of the scavenging capacity of samples = \(\:[1-\left(\frac{\left(As\right)}{\left(Ac\right)}\right)]\times\:100\) where, as stands for the absorbance of the sample and Ac stands for the absorbance of the control sample [ 37 ]. 3. Results and discussion 3.1. Sol-Gel synthesis of nanocomposites Simple sol-gel synthesis produced a granular ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite (Fig. 1 ). White translucent sol dried for 48 hours at 1000°C for 12 hours produced white powder. The dry product was calcinated for 2 hours at 4500°C. Finally, a mortar ground the white powder. The experimental procedures adopted and the end product obtained were all very similar to the techniques and data obtained in related studies performed by experts earlier [ 38 ] 3.2. UV-visible optical study Ag doped with undoped ZnO-TiO 2 composites The graph (Fig. 2 a) displays composite material optical absorption at various wavelengths. Peaks show the material's strongest light absorption wavelengths. Ag ZnO-TiO 2 This composite comprises a 380.4nm Ag dopant. Undoped ZnO/TiO 2 this composite has no deliberate dopant (392.8 nm). The optical characteristics of the Ag-doped composite may be affected by the silver dopant if it has peaks at different wavelengths than the undoped composite. Changes in electronic transitions or band structures may cause red shifts or blue shifts. If the Ag-doped composite has new or shifted peaks, it denotes that the silver doping changes the electrical structure. The nanocomposite material revealed exact values as represented by earlier data [ 39 ]. 3.3. FT-IR analysis of ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite The FT-IR analysis revealed the formation of the hybrid photocatalyst. In Fig. 2 b, the spectrum displayed upon the addition of Ag to ZnO-TiO 2 showcases notable features. Broad absorption peaks around 3400 cm − 1 indicates the presence of O-H stretching vibrations from water molecules in both ZnO and hybrid particles, suggesting water absorption. Additionally, a peak observed at 1600 cm − 1 corresponds to the bending vibrations of H-O-H, likely arising from a small quantity of water within the ZnO crystals. Furthermore, the presence of TiO 2 / ZnO is indicated by peaks at 460 cm − 1 and 488 cm − 1 , confirming the existence of the composite. 3.4. FT-IR analysis of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite The FT-IR spectra confirmed the composite photocatalyst, as depicted in Fig. 2 c showing the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites spectra. The presence of wide absorption peaks around 3400 cm − 1 suggests O-H stretching vibrations from water molecules in both ZnO and composite particles, likely due to moisture absorption. Additionally, the bending vibration of H-O-H, originating from a small amount of water within the ZnO crystals, is evident at 1600 cm − 1 . Following the loading of Ag nanoparticles onto the composites, the intensity of the peaks at 3400 and 1600 cm − 1 decreased, indicating the occurrence of Ag-doped TiO 2 -ZnO. A peak shift from 3416 cm − 1 to 3413 cm − 1 and another change from 2370 cm − 1 to 2355 cm − 1 were observed. Peaks at 437 cm − 1 and 473 cm − 1 further confirmed the presence of TiO 2 -ZnO. Notably, a significant shift to lower values post-Ag loading suggested Ag deposition and the production of metal-binary semiconductor composites. The basic transverse optical phonon mode was expected to shift lower due to the heavier mass of Ag compared to Zn, in line with established theories of mixed crystal phonon modes. The FT-IR data obtained correlated well with the values obtained in the studies elsewhere [ 40 ]. 3.5. XRD analysis of ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites XRD analysis was done to elucidate the structure and phase of the ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites powder is presented in Fig. 3 a. Comparative analysis with the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) revealed that all diffraction peaks could be indexed with lattice planes of Ti(1 0 1), Zn(1 0 0), Zn(1 0 2), Zn(1 1 0), Zn(2 0 1), Zn(1 0 2), and Zn. According to the Debye-Scherrer equation, the particle size was determined to be 26.54 nm. Notably, the strong peak observed at 24.9 (corresponding to crystal plane 101, indicative of the rutile phase of TiO 2 ) in the nanocomposites suggested effective doping of ZnO with TiO 2 . 3.6. XRD analysis of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite (Fig. 3 b) displays the powder X-ray diffraction test done on the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites that was synthesized. The diffraction peaks can be linked to the crystal planes Ti(1 0 1), Ag(1 1 1), Zn(1 0 2), Ag(2 2 0), Zn(1 1 0), Zn(2 0 1), Zn (2 0 2), and Zn(1 0 2). This can be seen by comparing the data to that from the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD, JCPDS card no. 80 − 0075). The size of the particles found by the Debye-Scherrer equation is 32.73 nm. The sharp peak at 24.9 (crystal plane 101, for the rutile phase of TiO 2 ) in the mixture showed that ZnO has a lot of TiO 2 on its surface. Compared to TiO 2− ZnO composite particles, the Ag/TiO 2 /ZnO composite particles have extra peaks at 2θ values of 38, 44, and 64.3, which correspond to crystal planes (111), (200), and (220), respectively. This shows that Ag metal (JCPDS card no. 04-0783) is present on the binary semiconductor composite. The amount of TiO 2 in the Ag-doped composite photocatalyst was much lower than in the TiO 2 -ZnO composite. This showed that Ag nanoparticles were available on both ZnO and TiO 2 nanoparticles [ 41 ] 3.7. SEM analysis of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite The nanocomposite's surface characteristics are seen in the SEM picture. ZnO nanoparticles have a lot of nano-sized growth sites on their surface, as seen in (Fig. 3 c). The ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites' size is not appreciably different from that of pure ZnO, but the addition of TiO 2 causes the holes' size to decrease in size. The size of the doped nonmaterial was calculated to be around 50–100 nm ranges. The size and morphological characteristics were very well matched with the earlier studies [ 42 ]. 3.8. Application studies 3.8.1. Photo catalytic Activity of ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite UV-visible spectra show the (Fig. 4 a) photo catalytic degradation. The initial absorbance was 2.4 a.u. The degeneration did not improve after 10 minutes. A good deterioration occurred after 20 minutes. Each interval reduces the pollutant concentration. Although not all material decayed by the conclusion of the cycle, the absorbance stays above 0.5 a.u. The time v/s concentration graph for photocatalytic degradation utilizing ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites was also examined. (Fig. 4 b) shows that ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite exhibits variation in photocatalytic activity by concentration and time. Even after the time cycle, the composite did not deteriorate the aqueous solution. Concentration was required for about 20% of the components. End deterioration started at 80%. Because of the increased surface area of the composite material and the interaction between ZnO and TiO 2 nanoparticles, the results demonstrated an increased activity. The results are well supported by the current reference that specifies that the nanocomposites and semiconducting materials have drawn a lot of attention for their potential to produce extremely effective photocatalysts that will eliminate bacteria and other infectious agents [ 43 ]. 3.8.2. Photocatalytic activity of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite (Fig. 4 c) shows that doping the ZnO-TiO 2 composite with the bimetallic ion Ag boosted its efficiency. Initial absorbance was 2.5 a.u. Stable deterioration throughout the cycle was observed. The rate of concentration decreased considerably every 10 minutes. At each interval, peak absorbance decreased. The cycle ended with 100% degradation and 0 a.u. absorbance. Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite has higher photo-catalytic activity than 80% degradation. ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite (Fig. 4 d) illustrates the concentration and time dependence of the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite concerning its photo-catalytic activity. It demonstrates that, after the cycle, the solution had 100% degradation. Consequently, the Ag-doped composite exhibits increased photo-catalytic activity in comparison to the ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites. It seems to be a viable option for killing harmful bacteria as a result. These days, research on silver-doped ZnO or TiO 2 NPs is quite interesting for creating photo-catalytic applications. Because of the Schottky, Ag is referred to as electron sink. Compared to an undoped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite, the material exhibited increased photo-catalytic activity. It has been reported that strong oxidizing power is produced by TiO 2 photocatalysts when exposed to UV light with wavelengths shorter than 385 nm [ 44 ]. (Table 1 ) shows the bandgap tuning with the doping of noble metal (Ag) The optical bandgap is 2.48eV, and 2.31eV for ZnO-TiO 2, and Ag- ZnO-TiO 2 respectively. Table 1 Bandgap of prepared materials. S.N Sample name λ onset (nm) E g (Joule) E g (eV) 1 ZnO-TiO 2 500 3.9756 x 10 − 19 2.4847 2 Ag doped ZnO-TiO 2 536 3.7085 x 10 − 19 2.3178 3.8.3. Antioxidant test of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites Figure 5 a shows that the antioxidant characteristics of the synthesized Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite were examined in two experiments. The result of the reducing power test was 33.48%, or almost 40% less than the standard (Table 2 ). The obtained result for H 2 O 2 Scavenging activity was 28.00%, which was about 35% higher than normal. As per the earlier studies, antioxidant therapeutic approaches are thought to be a promising way to treat some disorders by scavenging free radicals and restoring redox balance [ 45 ]. Table 2 Antioxidant property of Ag doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites Si. No. Test Name Test Ascorbic acid (Standard) 1 Reducing power assay 33.48% 84.24% 2 H 2 O 2 Scavenging activity 28.00% 78.66% 3.8.4. Antioxidant test of ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite To evaluate the antioxidant capabilities of the produced Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites, two experiments were conducted. The reducing power test yielded a result of 30.42%, or around 36% less than the standard. The obtained result for H 2 O 2 Scavenging activity was 22.70%, or around 29% higher than the normal values. When comparing the two ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites materials, the Ag-doped one exhibits superior antioxidant capabilities (Fig. 5 b). The current results positively support the fact that the doped materials with anti-oxidant property can support homeostasis-maintenance processes, the production of ROS, and the physiological repercussions of the biological system. Furthermore, the pathogenic pathways of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in disorders and possible antioxidant therapeutic approaches have been emphasized by many researchers [ 46 , 47 ] 4. Conclusion Antioxidants have a promising in vivo therapeutic effect on liver disorders, as demonstrated by animal research. Several anti-oxidative therapies and antioxidants are suggested to prevent and treat organ disorders due to the decisive role that oxidative stress plays in the chain of diseases. Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 composites were created using a simple sol-gel process, resulting in materials that respond to visible light. The photocatalytic and antioxidant capabilities of these composites were then assessed. The white powder was verified using FT-IR and XRD methods. The introduction of Ag ions in the ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposite led to an increase in optical absorption in the visible area as well as a further shift in the absorption edge towards the visible region. The existence of TiO 2 /ZnO in FT-IR is shown by the peaks at 460 cm − 1 and 488 cm − 1 . There was a noticeable change towards lower values with the addition of Ag, indicating the presence of Ag deposition and the development of a composite material consisting of two metals and a semiconductor. The particle size of the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites was estimated to be 32.73 nm, while the particle size of the ZnO-TiO 2 nanocomposites was found to be 26.54 nm. These values were estimated using the Debye-Scherer equation. The photocatalysis was assessed by measuring the breakdown of rhodamine B when exposed to normal light. The addition of Ag to the material caused a shift in the absorption edge of the band gap towards the visible light area. This addition also prevented the recombining property of electron-hole pairs that were created by light. Therefore, the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 composites, as they are synthesized, exhibit a superior rate of photo degradation of reactive Rhodamine B as compared to the ZnO-TiO 2 composites when exposed to solar radiation. The improved photo catalytic activity of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO 2 composites is expected to make them potentially useful for controlling diseases in a functional living being. Declarations Authors Contributions Praseetha P.K.: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft. Vijayakumar S.: Formal analysis, Methodology. Vibala B.V.: Formal analysis, Beena Kanimozhi R.: Data curation. Mohammad Ahmad Wadaan – Investigation, Vijaykumar S.: Data curation, Supervision. Funding The authors are grateful to the DBT-STAR (HRD11011/18/2022-HRD-DBT), DST-FIST (SR/FST/College-222/2014). The authors express their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2025R466) King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ethical Approval: Not applicable. 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Praseetha, Tiny tots for a big-league in wound repair: Tools for tissue regeneration by nanotechniques of today. J Control Release. 349 (2022) 443-459. D. Bokov, A. TurkiJalil, S. Chupradit, W. Suksatan, M. Javed Ansari, IH. Shewael, E. Kianfar, Nanomaterial by sol-gel method: synthesis and application. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. (2021) 1-21. U. Ramelow, BM. Baysal, Copolymer analysis by UV spectroscopy. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 327 (1986) 5865-5882. J. Tian, L. Chen, J. Dai, X. Wang, Y. Yin, P. Wu, Preparation and characterization of TiO2, ZnO, and TiO 2 /ZnOnanofilms via sol-gel process. Ceramics International. 35 (6) (2009) 2261-2270. MY. Rafiq, F. Iqbal, F. Aslam, M. Bilal, N. Munir, I. Sultana, A. Razaq, Fabrication and characterization of ZnO/MnO2 and ZnO/TiO2 flexible nanocomposites for energy storage applications. Journal of Alloys and Compounds. 729 (2017) 1072-1078. V. Perumal, R. Uthrakumar, M. Chinnathambi, C. Inmozhi, R. Robert, M. Rajasaravanan, A. Raja, K. Kaviyarasu, Electron-hole recombination effect of SnO2 –CuO nanocomposite for improving methylene blue photocatalytic activity in wastewater treatment under visible light. J. King Saud Univ. Sci. 35 (2023) 102388. M. Pérez-González, S.A. Tomás, J. Santoyo-Salazar, S. Gallardo-Hernández, M.M. Tellez-Cruz, O. Solorza-Feria, Sol-gel synthesis of Ag-loaded TiO2-ZnO thin films with enhanced photocatalytic activity. Journal of Alloys and Compounds. 779 (2019) 908-917. C. Jaramillo-Páez, J.A. Navío, M.C. Hidalgo, M. Macías, High UV-photocatalytic activity of ZnO and Ag/ZnO synthesized by a facile method. Catalysis Today. 284 (2017)121-128. P.C. Nethravathi, G. Nagaraju, D. Suresh, TiO2 and Ag-TiO2 nanomaterials for enhanced photocatalytic and antioxidant activity: green synthesis using Cucumismelo juice. Materials Today: Proceedings. 49 (2022) 841-848. Hamrouni A, Azzouzi H, Rayes A, Palmisano L, Ceccato R, Parrino F. Enhanced Solar Light Photocatalytic Activity of Ag Doped TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 Composites. Nanomaterials (Basel). 10 (4) (2020) 795. A.M. Sharif, M. Ashrafuzzaman, A. Kalam, A.G. Al-Sehemi, P. Yadav, B. Tripathi, M. Dubey, Du, Green Synthesis of Pristine and Ag-Doped Ti O2 and Investigation of Their Performance as Photoanodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. Materials (Basel). 16 (17) (2023) 5731. N. Chauhan, V. Singh, S. Kumar, M. Kumari, Preparation, Characterization and Evaluations of Carbon-Doped Ag/Fe/TiO₂ Mesoporous Nanocomposite Photocatalyst for Degradation of Methylene Blue and Congo Red. J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 21 (10) (2021) 5344-5351. K, Gupta, R.P. Singh, A. Pandey, A, Pandey, Photocatalytic antibacterial performance of TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO 2 against S. aureus . P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Beilstein J Nanotechnol. 6 (4) (2013) 345-51. doi: 10.3762/bjnano.4.40. S. Yeniyol, Z. He, B. Yüksel, R.J. Boylan, M. Urgen, T. Ozdemir, J.L. Ricci, Antibacterial Activity of As-Annealed TiO2 Nanotubes Doped with Ag Nanoparticles against Periodontal Pathogens. Bioinorg Chem Appl. (2014) 829496. M.Z.A. Warshagha, M. Muneer, I.I. Althagafi, S.A. Ahmed, Highly efficient and stable AgI-CdO nanocomposites for photocatalytic and antibacterial activity. RSC Adv. 13(8) (2023) 5013-5026. N. Bono, F. Ponti, C. Punta, G. Candiani, Effect of UV Irradiation and TiO 2 -Photocatalysis on Airborne Bacteria and Viruses: An Overview. Materials (Basel). 14(5) (2021) 1075. C. Morén, R.M. deSouza, D.M. Giraldo, C. Uff. Antioxidant Therapeutic Strategies in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci . 23(16) (2022) 9328. J. Liang, Y. Gao, Z. Feng, B. Zhang, Z. Na, D. Li, Reactive oxygen species and ovarian diseases: Antioxidant strategies. Redox Biol . 62 (2023) 102659. Parvathy CR, Praseetha PK. Evaluation of Anti-diabetic Potential of Anti-microbial Carbon Quantum Dots from Vitis vinifera Seeds. Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, 15(1) (2023) 28-35. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6103819","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":446983521,"identity":"234f8e2e-3e30-4ae0-be66-ed07942850b7","order_by":0,"name":"Praseetha P.K.","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Noorul Islam University: Noorul Islam Centre For Higher Education","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Praseetha","middleName":"","lastName":"P.K.","suffix":""},{"id":446983522,"identity":"02264c86-53a5-4998-8df2-e4ab65042283","order_by":1,"name":"Vijayakumar S.","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"A Veeriya Vandayar Memorial Sri Pushpam College","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Vijayakumar","middleName":"","lastName":"S.","suffix":""},{"id":446983523,"identity":"2536ebd4-aa96-4341-8f39-fb2f73d18162","order_by":2,"name":"Vibala B.V.","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Saveetha University - Poonamallee Campus: SIMATS Deemed University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Vibala","middleName":"","lastName":"B.V.","suffix":""},{"id":446983524,"identity":"122a11b0-b324-47ed-9678-2c7aa7e6d187","order_by":3,"name":"Beena Kanimozhi R.","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Saveetha University - Poonamallee Campus: SIMATS Deemed University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Beena","middleName":"Kanimozhi","lastName":"R.","suffix":""},{"id":446983525,"identity":"20eea5d5-2e9b-48fa-ab8b-e452d8079258","order_by":4,"name":"Mohammad Ahmad Wadaan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"King Saud University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohammad","middleName":"Ahmad","lastName":"Wadaan","suffix":""},{"id":446983526,"identity":"d21d74ca-efed-4561-9235-d8d1cf6540e5","order_by":5,"name":"Vijaykumar S.","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Huaqiao University - Quanzhou Campus: Huaqiao University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Vijaykumar","middleName":"","lastName":"S.","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-02-25 09:44:08","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6103819/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6103819/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":81297755,"identity":"3f11c7e3-5060-4d8f-ac30-4c10b4a5ae8f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-24 13:15:30","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":353713,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(a) Synthesized ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites, (b) Synthesized Ag doped ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites powders\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6103819/v1/d1420b3dd8e27798f7e53993.png"},{"id":81296639,"identity":"cd590588-18c3-49c0-a8e3-b74f29dec829","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-24 13:07:30","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":97578,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(a) UV-Visible spectrum of Ag-doped with undoped ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e composites; (b) FTIR spectrum of ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites; (c) FTIR spectrum of Ag doped ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6103819/v1/98402d87fefc4bb3e5c8c78f.png"},{"id":81298446,"identity":"4f16dfca-38ab-476c-91d7-06e17eec8126","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-24 13:23:30","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":174814,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(a) XRD spectrum of ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites; (b) XRD spectrum of Ag doped ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites; (c) SEM analysis of Ag doped ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6103819/v1/ac64202bfeb04708beaf147c.png"},{"id":81297757,"identity":"e404d45a-a27f-49d7-8627-1a69e84adaa1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-24 13:15:31","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":210235,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(a) Photocatalytic activity of ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites; (b) Photo catalytic activity of ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites, Time v/s concentration plot; (c) Photo catalytic activity of Ag doped ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e nanocomposites; (d) Photocatalytic activity of ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites: Time v/s concentration plot\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6103819/v1/2b2a5edc22a821eb1176c021.png"},{"id":81296640,"identity":"b0f558cd-3a8a-4c38-9948-162eb42907fa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-24 13:07:30","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":55723,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(a) Antioxidant property of Ag doped ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites; (b) Antioxidant property of ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6103819/v1/be9a19d95b311396cd3206bb.png"},{"id":84199898,"identity":"5992c636-8fa2-41f6-af06-2df624695192","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-09 08:22:06","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2493503,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6103819/v1/d329b28c-8d3a-44dd-ab16-621f4016de05.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Applications of Ag-Doped ZnO-TiO2 Nanocomposites in Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Processes: A Novel Therapeutic Alternate","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eNanoscale materials represent the forefront of scientific and commercial advancement. Among the most captivating inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are silver, copper, titanium, and zinc, renowned for their diverse applications and efficacy against pathogenic bacteria [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2 CR3\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. The size-dependent physical and chemical properties of NPs have been extensively researched over the years, with increasing interest in nano-oxides [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR6\" citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Their selective attributes have rendered them highly sought-after in pharmaceutical and biological domains [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e], demonstrating rapid microbial eradication in laboratory settings [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR10 CR11\" citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNPs pervade the food chain at the ecosystem's basal levels, underscoring the importance of antioxidant intervention [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Recent attention has centred on Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Titanium dioxide (TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) NPs, leveraging their distinct optical, electrical, and chemical characteristics. TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, prized for its photosensitivity, efficiency, non-toxicity, potent oxidizing capabilities, affordability, and chemical stability, stands as a favored antioxidant photocatalyst [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Meanwhile, Zinc oxide serves as a promising photo-catalyst and vital antioxidant, boasting low-cost, bio-compatible, highly catalytic, and environmentally friendly traits [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExtensive studies have been performed to enhance the photo-catalytic performance of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR19\" citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] and ZnO [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR22 CR23\" citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], focusing on factors such as crystalline structure, doping, surface area, and presence of hydroxyl group [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR20 CR21 CR22 CR23 CR24 CR25\" citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Metal dopants like silver (Ag) are being utilized to augment photo-catalyst efficiency, with Ag demonstrating exceptional stability, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. Ag doping on metal oxides has shown promise in mitigating rapid electron-hole recombination processes, thereby enhancing antioxidant properties [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, and \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, Ag-doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and ZnO were synthesized via the sol-gel method, with subsequent assessment of their antioxidant and photocatalytic performances.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImportance of antioxidants represents a logical therapeutic advancement for the prevention and therapy of oxidative stress-related liver diseases. Antioxidants available in edible or medicinal plants often have proven free radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant characteristics. These antioxidants are also believed to set the cornerstone for further bio-activities and health advantages. The photo-catalytic effect proves the inherent ability of these nanomaterials to act against viral and bacterial infections through irradiation. UV combined with TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-based microbicidal technologies could be a useful tool to lessen the increase of infections now more than in the past [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Material and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Sol-Gel Synthesis method\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1.1. AG-doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-ZnO Nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAg-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites with a 0.3% Ag loading were synthesized as follows Initially, 15 ml of titanium isopropoxide was introduced into 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol and vigorously stirred to form solution A. Concurrently, solution B was prepared by adding appropriate quantities of Zn(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 6H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO and Ag(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 6H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO to a mixture comprising 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol, 6.5 ml of acetic acid, and 2.5 ml of ultrapure water. The gradual addition of solution B into solution A, with vigorous agitation over 2 hours, yielded a white, translucent solution. Subsequently, the as-prepared sol was allowed to age for 48 hours, continued by drying at 100\u0026deg;C for 12 hours. Finally, the dried composite underwent calcination at 450\u0026deg;C for 2 hours in a microwave-muffle furnace.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1.2. ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e Nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo begin, 15 ml of titanium isopropoxide was added to 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol and vigorously stirred, forming solution A. Meanwhile, solution B, comprising 17.5 ml of 100% ethanol, 6.5 ml of acetic acid, and 2.5 ml of de-ionized water, was prepared. By gradually incorporating solution B into solution A and vigorously agitating for 2 hours, a white, translucent solution was achieved. The resulting sol was aged for 48 hours, followed by drying at 100\u0026deg;C for 12 hours. Subsequently, the dried material was calcinated at 450\u0026deg;C for 2 hours using a microwave muffle furnace. The resulting powder from both ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites and Ag-doped composites was examined and compared for their photocatalytic and antioxidant properties [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.2. Characterization studies\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1 UV spectroscopy analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eUV-visible spectroscopy (Systronics, India) Model 2202) with a 2 nm width of the slit and a 10 mm cell at room temperatures was used to analyze Ag-doped ZnO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites. The composite was proximately analyzed in visible and UV light at 300\u0026ndash;800 nm. We centrifuged the composites at 1109 RCF for 10 min and filtered them through Whatman filter paper for UV-Vis spectroscopy testing. The sample was diluted 1:10 with the same solvent [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.2. FT-IR Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFunctional moieties present in the extract were detected using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy (Bruker, Alpha T, and Germany). To obtain the absorption spectra, a small amount of composites was mixed with dried potassium bromide and pressed into a KBr-thin disc using a mortar and compressed at 6 bars for 2 minutes. The resulting disc was positioned in a diffuse reflectance accessory sample cup, and IR spectra were acquired with an infrared spectrometer (Bruker Alpha T, Germany 70) scanning from 4000 to 400 cm^-1. Peak values from both FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy were recorded [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.3. XRD Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing a 15-minute centrifugation at 12320 RCF, the produced nanocomposites were re-dispersed in sterile double-distilled water and centrifuged for an additional 10 minutes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy (Pan Analytical, X-pert Pro, and Netherlands) was performed on the purified pellets after oven drying at 50\u0026deg;C. XRD measurements utilized Cu-Kα radiation source at 45 kV and 40 mA, with a scattering range of 20\u0026ndash;80 degrees. This analysis provided insights into the synthesized nanocomposites' crystalline nature, existence, phase variety, and grain size. The particle size of the processed samples was finalized using Scherrer's equation,\u003cdiv id=\"Equa\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equa\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\:\\text{D}=\\text{c}\\frac{K\\lambda\\:}{\\beta\\:\\text{cos}{\\theta\\:}}$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eD is the crystallite size (nm), K is the shape factor (typically 0.9), λ is the X-ray wavelength (usually 0.15406 nm for Cu Kα radiation), β is the full width at half maximum (FWHM) in radians, θ is the Bragg angle in degrees [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe morphometry and geometry of the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite were examined using a FEI Nova Nanolab 200 scanning electron microscope, manufactured by an FEI firm in Hillsboro, Oregon, USA. The elemental content of the nanoparticle colloid was analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) using a Bruker X-flash detector (Bruker, Bremen, Germany). The electron beam was maintained at an energy level of 15 keV together for imaging and EDX analysis [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.5. Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e Nanocomposites Photocatalytic Activity\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe photocatalytic activity was estimated by measuring the fading of reactive brilliant Rhodamine B in an aqueous solution. Photo catalysts (100 mg) were dispersed in a 100 ml Rhodamine B aqueous solution containing 0.2 g of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composite and were exposed to sunlight. Results were assessed at 10-minute intervals for 60 minutes. UV-visible analysis was conducted on seven samples at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes to determine the degradation rate [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Antioxidant Studies\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1. Reducing Power Assay\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA solution containing 500 \u0026micro;l of 2M phosphate buffer with pH 6.6 and 500 \u0026micro;l of 1% potassium ferricyanide was mixed with approximately 100 \u0026micro;l of the extract. This mixture was then incubated at 50\u0026deg;C for twenty minutes. After the incubation period, 500 \u0026micro;l of 10% trichloroacetic acid was mixed and continued by centrifugation at 1109 RCF for 10 minutes. The top layer of the components was combined with 100 \u0026micro;l of 0.1% ferric chloride solution and equal volumes of distilled water. The absorbance was calculated at 700 nm, with ethanol used instead of the extract to create a blank sample.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.2. Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Assay\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA 2 mM solution of hydrogen peroxide (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) was prepared in a 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. A 100 \u0026micro;L sample was shifted to a test tube to achieve an optimal concentration of 200 \u0026micro;g/mL in the reaction mixture. The total volume was adjusted to 400 \u0026micro;L using 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. After the addition of 600 \u0026micro;L of H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e solution, the vials were vigorously mixed, and the absorbance at 230 nm was measured in 10 minutes, relative to a blank sample. Ascorbic acid was employed as a positive control. The percentage of the scavenging capacity of samples (extract or fraction) for H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e was estimated using the formula:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe percentage of the scavenging capacity of samples =\u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:[1-\\left(\\frac{\\left(As\\right)}{\\left(Ac\\right)}\\right)]\\times\\:100\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewhere, as stands for the absorbance of the sample and Ac stands for the absorbance of the control sample [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.1. Sol-Gel synthesis of nanocomposites\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSimple sol-gel synthesis produced a granular ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). White translucent sol dried for 48 hours at 1000\u0026deg;C for 12 hours produced white powder. The dry product was calcinated for 2 hours at 4500\u0026deg;C. Finally, a mortar ground the white powder. The experimental procedures adopted and the end product obtained were all very similar to the techniques and data obtained in related studies performed by experts earlier [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.2. UV-visible optical study Ag doped with undoped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe graph (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003ea) displays composite material optical absorption at various wavelengths. Peaks show the material\u0026apos;s strongest light absorption wavelengths. Ag ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e This composite comprises a 380.4nm Ag dopant. Undoped ZnO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e this composite has no deliberate dopant (392.8 nm). The optical characteristics of the Ag-doped composite may be affected by the silver dopant if it has peaks at different wavelengths than the undoped composite. Changes in electronic transitions or band structures may cause red shifts or blue shifts. If the Ag-doped composite has new or shifted peaks, it denotes that the silver doping changes the electrical structure. The nanocomposite material revealed exact values as represented by earlier data [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.3. FT-IR analysis of ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe FT-IR analysis revealed the formation of the hybrid photocatalyst. In Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eb, the spectrum displayed upon the addition of Ag to ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e showcases notable features. Broad absorption peaks around 3400 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e indicates the presence of O-H stretching vibrations from water molecules in both ZnO and hybrid particles, suggesting water absorption. Additionally, a peak observed at 1600 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e corresponds to the bending vibrations of H-O-H, likely arising from a small quantity of water within the ZnO crystals. Furthermore, the presence of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/ ZnO is indicated by peaks at 460 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 488 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e, confirming the existence of the composite.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.4. FT-IR analysis of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe FT-IR spectra confirmed the composite photocatalyst, as depicted in Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003ec showing the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites spectra. The presence of wide absorption peaks around 3400 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e suggests O-H stretching vibrations from water molecules in both ZnO and composite particles, likely due to moisture absorption. Additionally, the bending vibration of H-O-H, originating from a small amount of water within the ZnO crystals, is evident at 1600 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e. Following the loading of Ag nanoparticles onto the composites, the intensity of the peaks at 3400 and 1600 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e decreased, indicating the occurrence of Ag-doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-ZnO. A peak shift from 3416 cm \u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e to 3413 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and another change from 2370 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e to 2355 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e were observed. Peaks at 437 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 473 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e further confirmed the presence of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-ZnO. Notably, a significant shift to lower values post-Ag loading suggested Ag deposition and the production of metal-binary semiconductor composites. The basic transverse optical phonon mode was expected to shift lower due to the heavier mass of Ag compared to Zn, in line with established theories of mixed crystal phonon modes. The FT-IR data obtained correlated well with the values obtained in the studies elsewhere [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.5. XRD analysis of ZnO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cstrong\u003enanocomposites\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eXRD analysis was done to elucidate the structure and phase of the ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites powder is presented in Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ea. Comparative analysis with the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) revealed that all diffraction peaks could be indexed with lattice planes of Ti(1 0 1), Zn(1 0 0), Zn(1 0 2), Zn(1 1 0), Zn(2 0 1), Zn(1 0 2), and Zn. According to the Debye-Scherrer equation, the particle size was determined to be 26.54 nm. Notably, the strong peak observed at 24.9 (corresponding to crystal plane 101, indicative of the rutile phase of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) in the nanocomposites suggested effective doping of ZnO with TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.6. XRD analysis of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003eb) displays the powder X-ray diffraction test done on the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites that was synthesized. The diffraction peaks can be linked to the crystal planes Ti(1 0 1), Ag(1 1 1), Zn(1 0 2), Ag(2 2 0), Zn(1 1 0), Zn(2 0 1), Zn (2 0 2), and Zn(1 0 2). This can be seen by comparing the data to that from the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD, JCPDS card no. 80\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0075). The size of the particles found by the Debye-Scherrer equation is 32.73 nm. The sharp peak at 24.9 (crystal plane 101, for the rutile phase of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) in the mixture showed that ZnO has a lot of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e on its surface. Compared to TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sub\u003eZnO composite particles, the Ag/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/ZnO composite particles have extra peaks at 2\u0026theta; values of 38, 44, and 64.3, which correspond to crystal planes (111), (200), and (220), respectively. This shows that Ag metal (JCPDS card no. 04-0783) is present on the binary semiconductor composite. The amount of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in the Ag-doped composite photocatalyst was much lower than in the TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-ZnO composite. This showed that Ag nanoparticles were available on both ZnO and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanoparticles [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.7. SEM analysis of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003enanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe nanocomposite\u0026apos;s surface characteristics are seen in the SEM picture. ZnO nanoparticles have a lot of nano-sized growth sites on their surface, as seen in (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ec). The ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites\u0026apos; size is not appreciably different from that of pure ZnO, but the addition of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e causes the holes\u0026apos; size to decrease in size. The size of the doped nonmaterial was calculated to be around 50\u0026ndash;100 nm ranges. The size and morphological characteristics were very well matched with the earlier studies [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.8. Application studies\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.8.1. Photo catalytic Activity of ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUV-visible spectra show the (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003ea) photo catalytic degradation. The initial absorbance was 2.4 a.u. The degeneration did not improve after 10 minutes. A good deterioration occurred after 20 minutes. Each interval reduces the pollutant concentration. Although not all material decayed by the conclusion of the cycle, the absorbance stays above 0.5 a.u. The time v/s concentration graph for photocatalytic degradation utilizing ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites was also examined.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eb) shows that ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite exhibits variation in photocatalytic activity by concentration and time. Even after the time cycle, the composite did not deteriorate the aqueous solution. Concentration was required for about 20% of the components. End deterioration started at 80%. Because of the increased surface area of the composite material and the interaction between ZnO and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanoparticles, the results demonstrated an increased activity.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe results are well supported by the current reference that specifies that the nanocomposites and semiconducting materials have drawn a lot of attention for their potential to produce extremely effective photocatalysts that will eliminate bacteria and other infectious agents [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.8.2. Photocatalytic activity of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003ec) shows that doping the ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composite with the bimetallic ion Ag boosted its efficiency. Initial absorbance was 2.5 a.u. Stable deterioration throughout the cycle was observed. The rate of concentration decreased considerably every 10 minutes. At each interval, peak absorbance decreased. The cycle ended with 100% degradation and 0 a.u. absorbance. Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite has higher photo-catalytic activity than 80% degradation. ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003ed) illustrates the concentration and time dependence of the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite concerning its photo-catalytic activity. It demonstrates that, after the cycle, the solution had 100% degradation. Consequently, the Ag-doped composite exhibits increased photo-catalytic activity in comparison to the ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites. It seems to be a viable option for killing harmful bacteria as a result. These days, research on silver-doped ZnO or TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs is quite interesting for creating photo-catalytic applications. Because of the Schottky, Ag is referred to as electron sink. Compared to an undoped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite, the material exhibited increased photo-catalytic activity. It has been reported that strong oxidizing power is produced by TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e photocatalysts when exposed to UV light with wavelengths shorter than 385 nm [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e]. (Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) shows the bandgap tuning with the doping of noble metal (Ag) The optical bandgap is 2.48eV, and 2.31eV for ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2,\u003c/sub\u003e and Ag- ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBandgap of prepared materials.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS.N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSample name\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lambda;\u003csub\u003eonset\u003c/sub\u003e (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eE\u003csub\u003eg\u003c/sub\u003e (Joule)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eE\u003csub\u003eg\u003c/sub\u003e (eV)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e500\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.9756 x 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;19\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4847\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAg doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e536\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.7085 x 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;19\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.3178\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.8.3. Antioxidant test of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003ea shows that the antioxidant characteristics of the synthesized Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite were examined in two experiments. The result of the reducing power test was 33.48%, or almost 40% less than the standard (Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The obtained result for H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e Scavenging activity was 28.00%, which was about 35% higher than normal. As per the earlier studies, antioxidant therapeutic approaches are thought to be a promising way to treat some disorders by scavenging free radicals and restoring redox balance [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAntioxidant property of Ag doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSi. No.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTest Name\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTest\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAscorbic acid (Standard)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eReducing power assay\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.48%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84.24%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e Scavenging activity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.00%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78.66%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.8.4. Antioxidant test of ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo evaluate the antioxidant capabilities of the produced Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites, two experiments were conducted. The reducing power test yielded a result of 30.42%, or around 36% less than the standard. The obtained result for H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e Scavenging activity was 22.70%, or around 29% higher than the normal values. When comparing the two ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites materials, the Ag-doped one exhibits superior antioxidant capabilities (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eb).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe current results positively support the fact that the doped materials with anti-oxidant property can support homeostasis-maintenance processes, the production of ROS, and the physiological repercussions of the biological system. Furthermore, the pathogenic pathways of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in disorders and possible antioxidant therapeutic approaches have been emphasized by many researchers [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAntioxidants have a promising \u003cem\u003ein vivo\u003c/em\u003e therapeutic effect on liver disorders, as demonstrated by animal research. Several anti-oxidative therapies and antioxidants are suggested to prevent and treat organ disorders due to the decisive role that oxidative stress plays in the chain of diseases. Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites were created using a simple sol-gel process, resulting in materials that respond to visible light. The photocatalytic and antioxidant capabilities of these composites were then assessed. The white powder was verified using FT-IR and XRD methods. The introduction of Ag ions in the ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite led to an increase in optical absorption in the visible area as well as a further shift in the absorption edge towards the visible region. The existence of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/ZnO in FT-IR is shown by the peaks at 460 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 488 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e. There was a noticeable change towards lower values with the addition of Ag, indicating the presence of Ag deposition and the development of a composite material consisting of two metals and a semiconductor. The particle size of the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites was estimated to be 32.73 nm, while the particle size of the ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites was found to be 26.54 nm. These values were estimated using the Debye-Scherer equation. The photocatalysis was assessed by measuring the breakdown of rhodamine B when exposed to normal light. The addition of Ag to the material caused a shift in the absorption edge of the band gap towards the visible light area. This addition also prevented the recombining property of electron-hole pairs that were created by light. Therefore, the Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites, as they are synthesized, exhibit a superior rate of photo degradation of reactive Rhodamine B as compared to the ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites when exposed to solar radiation. The improved photo catalytic activity of Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites is expected to make them potentially useful for controlling diseases in a functional living being.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePraseetha P.K.:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eWriting \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing, Writing \u0026ndash; original draft. \u003cstrong\u003eVijayakumar S.:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eFormal analysis, Methodology. \u003cstrong\u003eVibala B.V.:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eFormal analysis,\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeena Kanimozhi R.:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eData curation. \u003cstrong\u003eMohammad Ahmad Wadaan\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eInvestigation,\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVijaykumar S.:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eData curation, Supervision.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors are grateful to the DBT-STAR (HRD11011/18/2022-HRD-DBT), DST-FIST (SR/FST/College-222/2014).\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors express their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2025R466) King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn behalf of all the authors, the corresponding author states that our data are available upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eD. 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Evaluation of Anti-diabetic Potential of Anti-microbial Carbon Quantum Dots from \u003cem\u003eVitis vinifera\u003c/em\u003e Seeds. Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, 15(1) (2023) 28-35.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Nanocomposites, Antioxidant, Photocatalysis, Therapeutics, Sol-gel synthesis","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6103819/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6103819/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eMaterials and alternative therapeutic agents are of high demand due to ever growing risk of epidemics and chronic ailments. In this study, we present Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites as photocatalysts and antioxidants that can act as possible therapeutics for many non-communicable diseases. The nanocomposites were fabricated through sol-gel synthesis and underwent thorough examination employing UV spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We conducted a more in-depth analysis of their photo-catalytic activity and assessed their antioxidant capability by a reducing assay and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing Ag-doped ZnO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposites that exhibit excellent performance and enhanced photo-catalytic and antioxidant characteristics. Photocatalytic activity revealed that Ag doping increased the efficiency of dye degradation by 100% against 80% by undoped ZnO-TiO₂. Moreover, the optical badgap decreased from 2.48 eV to 2.31 eV in the presence of Ag doping, suggesting better visible light absorption. Antioxidant activity was enhanced by ~\u0026thinsp;35%, and reducing power assay recorded\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;40% reduced absorbance in comparison to ascorbic acid standard. This suggests that they possess significant potential for diverse applications in medicine to bring forth solutions to incurable medical ailments that are challenging currently.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Applications of Ag-Doped ZnO-TiO2 Nanocomposites in Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Processes: A Novel Therapeutic Alternate","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-04-24 13:07:26","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6103819/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"265aba0e-dcc9-4575-a26a-082831043e7a","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 24th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-06-09T08:13:58+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-04-24 13:07:26","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6103819","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6103819","identity":"rs-6103819","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}