Ag2O nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanobelts for improved photocatalytic performance

Abstract TiO 2 nanobelts with uniform morphology were prepared via a hydrothermal method, and subsequent sulfuric acid treatment procedure was needed for the coarse surface. A nanocomposite of highly dispersed Ag 2 O nanoparticles on TiO 2 nanobelts was designed with a wet-chemical deposition precipitation method. As-prepared samples were systematically characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra. The photocatalytic performance was investigated under UV light toward degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye aqueous solution. Compared with the pure TiO 2 nanobelts, the Ag 2 O/TiO 2 nanobelts represented a quick degradation rate for MO dye, and the best photocatalytic activity was obtained when the molar ratio value of Ag 2 O and TiO 2 was 0.17. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could give the credit to the formation of heterostructure between Ag 2 O nanoparticles and TiO 2 nanobelts, in which the Ag 2 O nanoparticles acted as electron capture agent to promote the separation of photoinduced electrons and holes.