Abstract
Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite films, based of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles, were fabricated in a one-step aerosol route employing the simultaneous plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition systems. The as-fabricated films were subjected to different heating rates (3 to 60 °C/min) with a constant annealing temperature of 600 °C to observe the significant changes in the properties (e.g., nanoparticle size, crystalline size, crystallite phase, surface area) toward the photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the measurement of the degradation of a methylene blue aqueous solution under UV light irradiation, and the results revealed that it gradually increased with the increase in the heating rate, caused by the increased Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area and total pore volume.
Highlights
Environmental problem and energy shortage are a great issue in many nations and must be efficiently handled, especially for those related to the waste treatment to decrease the operation cost and mitigate the risk to the society
The results indicate that the Geometric mean diameter (GMD) of particles in the as-deposited film was 13 nm, which was less than those of the particles in all of the experimental series at different heating rates (Figure S1)
GMDs, phase content, and crystallite size of the fabricated films at different heating rates, and after annealing, the film consisted of a mixture of anatase–rutile phase (~84% anatase and ~16% rutile)
Summary
Environmental problem and energy shortage are a great issue in many nations and must be efficiently handled, especially for those related to the waste treatment to decrease the operation cost and mitigate the risk to the society. In the case of liquid waste, wastewater containing organic compounds emitted from various sources (e.g., textile industries) is harmful to mankind. Using the bio-degradation method to decompose these pollutants is often very slow and ineffective. Photocatalytic utilization of semiconductor materials for the degradation of organic pollutants has shown significant results compared to the conventional chemical oxidation methods for the degradation of organic pollutants [1]. Research of TiO2 has been extensively performed due to its low-cost, versatility, nontoxicity, high physical and chemical stability, among other photocatalytic materials [2,3]. TiO2 can be utilized as a photocatalyst for the degradation of these organic pollutants
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
