Synthesis of silver and sulphur codoped TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

In the present work, silver and sulphur codoped TiO2 (Ag–S/TiO2) photocatalysts were effectively prepared by sol–gel technique. The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV-DRS) and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD patterns consisted of anatase crystalline phases and the particle size and shape of the prepared samples were observed by SEM and HR-TEM. The presence of doping ions was confirmed by EDX analysis, the decreased band-gap energy of Ag–S codoped TiO2 nanoparticles was investigated by UV-DRS. The decreased in the intensity of Ag–S codoped TiO2 was absorbed due to the lower separation of electron–hole pairs were confirmed by PL spectrum. The Ag–S codoped TiO2 showed higher photocatalytic activity than pure and single-doped TiO2 in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The given work was a good model to associate the considering of the synergistic effect of metal and non-metal codoped TiO2 in the photocatalysis and photo electrochemistry.