Effect of Cl− anions on photocatalytic decomposition of gaseous ozone over Au @ Ag/TiO2 catalyst

Abstract

Au core Ag shell composite structure nanoparticles were prepared using a sol method. The Au core Ag shell composite nanoparticles were loaded on TiO2 nanoparticles as support using a modified powder–sol method, enabling the generation of Au @ Ag/TiO2 photocatalysts for photocatalytic decomposition and elimination of ozone. The sols were characterized by means of ultraviolet–visible light (UV–Vis) reflection spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The activity of the Au @ Ag/TiO2 photocatalysts for photocatalytic decomposition and elimination of ozone was evaluated and the effect of Cl− anions on the photocatalytic activity of the catalysts was highlighted. Results showed that Au @ Ag/TiO2 prepared via the modified powder–sol route in the presence of an appropriate amount of NaCl solid as demulsifier had better activity in the photocatalytic decomposition and elimination of ozone. At the same time, Au @ Ag/TiO2 catalysts had better ability to resist poisonous Cl− anions than conventional Au/TiO2 catalyst. The reasons could be, first, that NaCl was capable of reducing the concentration of free Ag+ by adsorption on the surface of Ag particles forming AgCl and enhancing the formation of Au core Ag shell particles, leading to a better resistance to Cl− anions of the catalysts, and, second, AgCl took part in the photocatalytic decomposition of ozone together with Au @ Ag/TiO2 catalysts and had a synergistic effect on the latter, resulting in better photocatalytic activity of Au @ Ag/TiO2 catalysts.