Photocatalytic Application of Ag/TiO2 Hybrid Nanoparticles

Abstract Recently, Ag/TiO 2 hybrid nanoparticles have attracted increasing attention in the field of photocatalytic processes. Indeed, when irradiated with UV light the presence of Ag nanoparticles improves the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 nanostructures because Ag can increase the e − /h + lifetime. Remarkably, the plasmonic properties of Ag nanoparticles also enable the activation of photocatalytic processes under visible light irradiation. Moreover, Ag nanoparticles show inherent antibacterial properties, thus making them appealing also for bacteria inactivation. The present chapter intends to propose an overview of the main photocatalytic applications of Ag/TiO 2 . A first section is devoted to the use of Ag/TiO 2 in the photocatalytic degradation of contaminants in water and in air that can potentially result in a reliable tool for environmental pollution control. A second section describes how Ag/TiO 2 nanostructures can be exploited to achieve a sustainable solar energy conversion. Finally, selected photocatalytic applications designed to improve the life quality, as the development of bactericidal surfaces and photocatalytic odor control filters, are reviewed.