Comparative catalytic activity of low-cost route prepared TiO2 and silver nanoparticle modified TiO2 for visible light assisted dye degradation and mechanism insights

Abstract

Pure rutile phase of Titanium dioxide (r-TiO2) is prepared by nitric acid assisted hydrothermal process. XRD, Ft-IR, Raman spectroscopic techniques were utilized to confirms the formation of pure rutile phase for as prepared titania materials. SEM (scanning electron micrograph) images confirms the formation of Cauliflower like morphology for as prepared R-TiO2 with reduced particle size below 5 nm. Ag-TiO2 shows the hexagonal cubic shaped morphology with improved catalytic activity. The catalytic activity of as prepared R-TiO2 and silver modified TiO2 have analysed under visible light irradiation for dye degradation reaction. Dye degradation is occurred very effectively even at higher concentration of MB at reduced time intervals from 5 h to 3 hours of reaction time. Hence, the prepared pure Rutile titania and silver modified TiO2 are shown improved and effective activity in the presence of visible light irradiaiton for dye degradation and discoloration process.