Abstract
The structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 thin films grown by a hydrothermal method were studied by using an x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive x ray, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The results indicated that all films were of single-phase and the Ag presence enhanced catalytic and water-splitting performances in the visible light region. In particular, the methylene blue solution was disintegrated up to 99% after 12 and 8 h for TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 films, respectively. Meanwhile, the splitting efficiency increased from 0.3% for TiO2 to 1% for Ag–TiO2. These performances demonstrate the great potential of Ag–TiO2 films in photocatalytic and water-splitting applications.
Highlights
In the last few decades, petroleum and coal have become the main sources used to produce energy
TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 films were prepared by the hydrothermal method combined with the soaking process
The Ag concentration in the Ag–TiO2 film determined by the energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis is about 2.06 wt. %
Summary
In the last few decades, petroleum and coal have become the main sources used to produce energy The burning of these nonrenewable resources has produced many environmental pollutants, such as NOx, SO, CO, CO2, and heavy metals. Many studies proved that both the crystal structure and properties of TiO2 could be changed by doping metallic elements and nonmetallic elements or by combining with the plasmonic effect of some noble metals (Au, Ag, or Pt) or with narrow bandgap. Ag has been used for improved photocatalytic activities since the photogenerated charge separation is promoted.. Ag has been used for improved photocatalytic activities since the photogenerated charge separation is promoted.39 This has led to the recent studies on Ag-doped TiO2 materials showing both anti-bacterial and photocatalytic abilities.. We point out that the presence of Ag nanoparticles in TiO2 remarkably improves photon absorption upon surface plasmons, which enhances the number of electron–hole pairs. the applicability of Ag–TiO2 films in water splitting to generate hydrogen fuel and in treating industrial wastewater based on the decomposition of the methylene blue (MB) solution under sunlight is assessed
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