Fabrication of Ag nanoparticles decorated hieratical Ni0.25Co0.75(OH)2 microflowers photocatalyst toward efficient environmental remediation

Abstract

The bimetallic hydroxide NixCo1-x(OH)2 was first prepared through hydrothermal method. The prepared NixCo1-x(OH)2 architecture showed good photocatalytic degradation performance toward oxytetracycline (OTC), especially the Ni0.25Co0.75(OH)2 hierarchical microflowers. After deposition of Ag nanoparticles, Ag/Ni0.25Co0.75(OH)2 nanocomposites with further improved photocatalytic activity were obtained especially on 0.2% Ag/Ni0.25Co0.75(OH)2. The modified band structure with optimal loading amount of Ag nanoparticles was convinced to have positive effect on the efficient photo-induced charge separation and transfer during photocatalytic procedure. This study expanded the application of hydroxides in the field of photocatalysis, and provided ideas for the construction of new photocatalytic system.