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Graphene Oxide Modified Ag 2 O Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Author(s) -
Ji Zhenyuan,
Shen Xiaoping,
Yang Jinglei,
Xu Yuling,
Zhu Guoxing,
Chen Kangmin
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european journal of inorganic chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.667
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1099-0682
pISSN - 1434-1948
DOI - 10.1002/ejic.201301105
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , nanocomposite , graphene , oxide , visible spectrum , chemistry , methylene blue , transmission electron microscopy , adsorption , nanoparticle , chemical engineering , photochemistry , scanning electron microscope , nanotechnology , materials science , catalysis , composite material , organic chemistry , optoelectronics , engineering
Owing to its unique two‐dimensional structure and extraordinary physicochemical properties, graphene oxide (GO) is considered an ideal support for developing highly efficient photocatalysts. In this study, a novel Ag 2 O/GO nanocomposite, as a visible‐light‐induced photocatalyst, has been fabricated by a simple solution route. The electrostatic interactions between positively charged Ag + and negatively charged GO sheets are responsible for the formation of the Ag 2 O/GO nanocomposite. The anchoring of the Ag 2 O nanoparticles on the GO nanosheets was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) under visible‐light irradiation was studied to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the Ag 2 O/GO nanocomposites. Due to the enhanced adsorption capacity, the smaller size of the Ag 2 O nanoparticles, and the improved separation of electron–hole pairs after the incorporation with GO sheets, the Ag 2 O/GO nanocomposites showed enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with bare Ag 2 O nanoparticles. In addition, the kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation reaction and a plausible photocatalytic mechanism are presented. The results pave the way to the design of highly efficient visible‐light‐responsive photocatalysts for the removal of organic pollutants for water purification.