Preparation of electrospun Ag/TiO2 nanotubes with enhanced photocatalytic activity based on water/oil phase separation

• Published in: Physica. E, Low-dimensional systems & nanostructures Vol. 86; pp. 103 - 110
• Main Authors: Wang, Tao, Wei, Jinxin, Shi, Huimin, Zhou, Ming, Zhang, Yu, Chen, Qi, Zhang, Zhengmei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2017
• Subjects: Ag/TiO2 nanotubes; Emulsion electrospinning; Photocatalysis; Water/oil phase separation; Emulsion electrospinning; Photocatalysis; Water/oil phase separation; Ag/TiO2 nanotubes
• ISSN: 1386-9477; 1873-1759
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physe.2016.10.016

Ag/TiO2 composite nanotubes were prepared by electrospinning based on water/oil phase separation effect, their photocatalytic abilities were evaluated under the UV–visible light irradiation. Comparing with bare TiO2 nanofibers, Ag/TiO2 nanotubes exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities in the decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) solution. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag/TiO2 nanotubes stems from the improved separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs induced by Ag and the high dyes absorption ability of Ag/TiO2 nanotubes; the high specific surface areas of Ag/TiO2 nanotubes with large amounts of active sites, speeding the photocatalytic activity up; the short diffusion path of photo-generated carriers caused by thin thickness of Ag/TiO2 nanotubes. The strategy, fabrication electrospun Ag/TiO2 hybrid nanotubes based on water/oil phase separation effect, is a one step, simple and versatile method, which can be easily expanded to the fabrication of other materials for photocatalysis, water splitting and energy conversion. Schematic diagram of the energy band structure and electron-hole pairs separation in the Ag/TiO2 nanotubes. [Display omitted] •Ag/TiO2 nanotubes were prepared based on water/oil phase separation effect. This method can fabricate tubular structure easily.•Ag/TiO2 composite nanomaterials shows enhanced photocatalytic activity. It stems from the improved separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs induced by addition of Ag.•Tubular structure of materials as well as the addition of Ag can promote the photocatalytic activity togather, it is a significant way to fabricate other composite materials with tubular structure.