Tube-like alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3)[at]Ag/AgCl heterostructure: controllable synthesis and enhanced plasmonic photocatalytic activity

Plasmonic photocatalysts coupled with semiconductors are one of the most popular combinations in environmental remediation applications. In this regard, a novel tube-like alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3)[at]Ag/AgCl hybrid structure is fabricated by anchoring Ag/AgCl hybrid nanoparticles on the surface of al...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:RSC advances 2015-07, Vol.5 (75), p.61239-61248
Main Authors: Liu, Jun, Wu, Wei, Tian, Qingyong, Yang, Shuanglei, Sun, Lingling, Xiao, Xiangheng, Ren, Feng, Jiang, Changzhong, Roy, Vellaisamy AL
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Heterostructures
Hybrid structures
Nanoparticles
Photocatalysis
Photocatalysts
Plasmonics
Semiconductors
Silver
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Summary:Plasmonic photocatalysts coupled with semiconductors are one of the most popular combinations in environmental remediation applications. In this regard, a novel tube-like alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3)[at]Ag/AgCl hybrid structure is fabricated by anchoring Ag/AgCl hybrid nanoparticles on the surface of alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3) short nanotubes (SNTs) by a step-by-step strategy. Firstly, the monodispersed alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3) SNTs have been synthesized via an anion-assisted hydrothermal process followed by the loading of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3) SNTs through the classic silver mirror reaction mechanism. From in situ oxidation of Ag nanoparticles, the final product alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3)[at]Ag/AgCl heterostructures has been obtained. We study the morphology, composition, and photocatalytic properties of the as obtained tube-like alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3)[at]Ag/AgCl nano-heterostructures. The photocatalytic activities of as obtained photocatalysts have been tested by the degradation of organic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated sunlight (UV + visible light), visible light and UV light irradiation. The main reason for the enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the broad spectral response from the combination of narrow/wide bandgap semiconductors with metallic Ag nanoparticles and efficient charge transfer from plasmon-excited Ag nanoparticles to alpha -Fe sub(2)O sub(3) and AgCl. Finally, this hybrid structure provides a roadmap for the controlled synthesis of plasmonic photocatalysts with excellent properties, and can be used for practical application in environmental issues.
ISSN:2046-2069
DOI:10.1039/c5ra10247b