RGO/Ag2S/TiO2 ternary heterojunctions with highly enhanced UV-NIR photocatalytic activity and stability

A series of novel RGO/Ag2S/TiO2 heterostructure photocatalysts has been synthesized successfully by a facial hydrothermal and simple ionexchange method. During the preparation, the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and growth of TiO2 and Ag2S are accomplished smoothly, and the functions of each part are developed well together. Compared with pure TiO2, Ag2S and Ag2S/TiO2 nanocomposite, the obtained 3 wt.% RGO/Ag2S/TiO2 nanocomposite exhibits a significant enhancement of ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) light photocatalytic activities. Owing to its extended photoresponsive range, great adsorptive property and efficient electron-hole separation capacity. Furthermore, benefited by the introduction of reduced graphite oxide (RGO), the deterioration of Ag2S is inhibited well and the stability of RGO/Ag2S/TiO2 nanocomposite has been enhanced greatly. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.