Synthesis OF AG/TIO2 nanocomposite via plasma liquid interactions and degradation methylene blue

Abstract

A novel method employing atmospheric pressure discharge plasma has been developed to reduce supported Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and deposited on TiO2 powder without the use of any environmentally and biologically hazardous reducing chemicals. Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite was prepared by the atmospheric direct current plasma in water solution. Trisodium citrate and CMC was used as a capping agent for Ag nanoparticles. The nanocomposites were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that Ag NPs with an average diameter of 20–35.5 nm were uniformly distributed on the powders surface. The presence of nanosilver particles in TiO2 matrix is clearly visible. The bandgap of TiO2/Ag was confirmed (2.65–2.85 eV) through UV–vis DRS, which was lower than TiO2 (3.8 eV). The photocatalytic effect was conducted by methylene blue degradation test. The photocatalytic activity of a series of 2 wt. % Ag/TiO2 composites was evaluated in the degradation of MB (used as a model pollutant) in aqueous solution under solar light. The 2.0 mol % of Ag-doped TiO2 shows 96% degradation of methylene blue (MB) within 50 min under visible light irradiation and exhibit highest photocatalytic performance.