Self-assembly of nanoparticles to prepare of dendritic AgCl–Ag2S nanocomposites through a simple one-pot hydrothermal approach and its photocatalytic activity

Herein, AgCl–Ag2S nanocomposites with dendritic morphology were synthesized via a simple one-pot hydrothermal route for the first time. AgNO3, HCl, and thioacetamide were utilized as starting reagents. The as-prepared AgCl–Ag2S nanocomposites were extensively characterized by techniques such as X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and diffused reflectance UV–visible spectrum. The results showed that the nanoparticles were self-assembled to prepare AgCl–Ag2S nanocomposites with dendritic morphology. The efficiency of AgCl–Ag2S nanocomposites as a photocatalyst for the decolorization of methyl orange (MO) using visible light irradiation has been evaluated. As a result, an enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of AgCl–Ag2S nanocomposites compared to AgCl nanostructures was obtained due to absorption of wider range of light wavelength by AgCl–Ag2S nanocomposites.