Photocatalytic and water-splitting properties of TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 films in the visible light region

The structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 thin films grown by a hydrothermal method were studied by using an x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive x ray, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The results indicated that all films were of single-phas...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ly Ngoc Tai, Pham Duy Long, Ngo Thi Hong Le, Le Van Hong, Pham The Linh, Bui Xuan Khuyen, Bui Son Tung, Vu Dinh Lam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIP Publishing LLC 2021-07-01
Series:AIP Advances
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0058116
Description
Summary:The structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 thin films grown by a hydrothermal method were studied by using an x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive x ray, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The results indicated that all films were of single-phase and the Ag presence enhanced catalytic and water-splitting performances in the visible light region. In particular, the methylene blue solution was disintegrated up to 99% after 12 and 8 h for TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 films, respectively. Meanwhile, the splitting efficiency increased from 0.3% for TiO2 to 1% for Ag–TiO2. These performances demonstrate the great potential of Ag–TiO2 films in photocatalytic and water-splitting applications.
ISSN:2158-3226