Photocatalytic activity enhancement for removal of dye molecules based on plasmonic Ag grafted TiO2 nanocubes under visible light driven

• Published in: Science and Technology Development Journal Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 743 - 751
• Main Authors: Trang, Ton Nu Quynh, Tu, Le Thi Ngoc, Man, Tran Van, Thu, Vu Thi Hanh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 08.11.2020
• ISSN: 1859-0128
• DOI: 10.32508/stdj.v23i4.2455

Introduction: Finding a novel photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation operating in the wavelength range from UV to visible light has been considered a great potential for environmental remediation. Herein, TiO2 nanocubics (NCs) decorated Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with various concentrations were developed. Methods: The crystal structure, morphological and chemical characteristics of prepared photocatalysts were thoroughly analyzed by a series of main analyses (X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UVVis spectra). Results: The results revealed that a significantly promoting visible-light photocatalytic behavior of TiO2NCs@Ag photocatalyst was observed. The photocatalytic methyl orange (MO) degradation of the as-synthesized Ag anchored TiO2NCs photocatalyst (85% and 62% under UV light and visible light, respectively) exhibited outstanding photocatalytic efficacy compared with pristine TiO2 NCs. The achieved results could be assigned to the synergistic effects between TiO2NCs and Ag- NPs, leading to enhanced charge carrier separation and improved absorption ability in visible-light response. Conclusion: This work facilitates designing and developing high-efficiency heterostructure photocatalysts for practical works related to environmental deterioration.