Effect of Co-Doping of Nano Silver, Carbon and Nitrogen on Titania on the Visible Light Activity for Methylorange Degradation

Abstract

Co-doping of nanosilver, carbon and nitrogen is done on titania to get improved photodegradation of pollutants when compared to single doping. Anion doping extends the absorption of TiO2 to the visible region; whereas noble metal NP doping prevents the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes. Doped TiO2 prepared using sol gel method allows efficient dispersion of nano silver and thus enhances the photodegradability. X-ray Diffraction analysis shows the efficient dispersion of incorporated nano silver over anatase TiO2. The visible light absorption is confirmed from UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance spectral studies. Photocatalytic activity is investigated by the degradation of methyl orange as a model pollutant. Efficient degradation in visible light shows the synergetic effect of carbon and nitrogen doping as well as nano silver loading on the performance of TiO2.