Ag/Fe:TiO2 nano-catalysts prepared by Fe ion implantation and Ag nanoparticle deposition by electron beam irradiation

Abstract TiO 2 nano-catalysts made by the sol–gel method were modified by ion implantation and electron beam irradiation to obtain a more efficient photocatalytic function. The results of photodegradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution demonstrate firstly that the films have a photocatalytic activity which responds to visible light. Secondly, it demonstrates that under ultraviolet excitation the sample with a fluence of 6 × 10 15  ions/cm 2 and electron beam irradiated with concentration of AgNO 3 aqueous solution at 1 × 10 −3  M gives a more efficient photodegradation ability than pure TiO 2 film and other Fe-doped films display almost the same photodegradation ability as TiO 2 film. Thirdly it demonstrates that under sunlight, all modified films exhibit more photodegradation activity than TiO 2 film.