Au modified nanosheet-branched TiO2 hollow spheres exhibiting superior performance of adsorption and solar-light-driven photocatalysis

Abstract

In this study, Au nanoparticles modified novel nanosheet-branched TiO2 hollow spheres with high specific surface area (556.39 m2 g−1) are constructed as photocatalysts for adsorption and degradation of organic dyes under solar light irradiation. The adsorption and photocatalytic activities were evaluated by monitoring the concentration of R6G with or without simulated solar light irradiation. The results reveal that the adsorption capacity between R6G molecules and absorbents (TiO2 or Au/TiO2) is controlled by chemisorption, and the adsorption capacity of the pristine TiO2 (84.89 mg g−1) is higher than those of the Au/TiO2 nanocomposites. The highest photocatalytic activity (0.0896 min−1) can be found in 5 at.% Au/TiO2 hollow nanospheres. Considering both adsorption and photocatalytic performances, 5 at.% Au/TiO2 nanocomposites are optimized and chosen as a desired solar-light-driven photocatalyst for organic dye degradation. This study may offer a reference to design the novel nanostructure of TiO2-based photocatalysts for multi-energy and environmental applications.