Abstract
Trace concentrations of nitrogen dioxide have toxic effects on natual environment and health of mankind. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a high-performance NO2 sensor. In this work, a new type of hypersensitive NO2 photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was prepared by using the in situ Ag2O/Ag/amorphous TiO2 Z-scheme hollow spheres modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. First of all, colloidal silica granules were used as a template to prepare the SiO2@amorphous TiO2. Then, the template etching and silver-sodium cationic exchange were performed in sequence. Further reduced by ethanol, the Ag/amorphous TiO2 hollow spheres were obtained. Exposure to phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing NO2, the Ag2O nanoparticles produced in situ increased the photoanode current based on Ag/amorphous TiO2 in a proportional manner. During this period, Ag was partially converted to Ag2O, which was proved by the XPS and Auger spectra. Silver nanoparticles sandwiched between amorphous TiO2 and Ag2O play a dual role in enhancing photoelectric response. They are both plasmon photosensitizer and Z-scheme charge medium. The unique sensitizing mechanism makes the PEC sensor have the advantages of good stability, outstanding selectivity, high sensitivity, low energy consumption and cost-effectiveness.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
