Synthesis and characterization of multimetallic-core and siliceous-shell Au/Pt/Ag@SiO2 sol–gel derived nanocomposites

Trimetallic Au/Pt/Ag nanocomposite loaded amine functionalized silica nanopowder (Au/Pt/Ag@SiO2 nanopowder) is prepared through sol–gel route. Surface morphology and bulk composition of the composite were obtained using atomic force microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, the pore volume and pore radius of the composite particles are calculated by applying the BET equation to the sorption isotherms. In addition to that, UV–Vis-diffuse reflectance spectrum was analyzed for the synthesized composite. The synthesized composite is proposed as the promising photocatalyst for the decolouration of methyl violet dye. We have successfully reported the syntheses and photocatalytic decolouration activity of MV dye in aqueous solution under UV-A light irradiation by SiO2 and Au/Pt/Ag@SiO2 nanopowder. The sol–gel synthesized Au/Pt/Ag@SiO2 nanopowder is proposed as a promising photocatalyst for the decolouration of MV dye. The metallic core and siliceous shell enhance the photocatalytic decolouration activity.