Enhanced visible-light absorption from Ag2O nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped TiO2 thin films

► Ag2O/TiON thin film was prepared by using ion-beam-assisted deposition technique. ► Ag2O particle in TiON thin film was several nanometers. ► Ag2O/TiON thin film showed obvious “red-shift” in optical absorption spectrum. ► In situ XPS study was used to understand the enhanced visible-light absorption.