Silver-modified TiO2 nanorods with enhanced photocatalytic activity in visible light region

Silver-modified TiO2 nanorods (SMTN) have been synthesized via controlled hydrolysis of tetrabutyltitanate (TBOT) in ethanol and immersion method by using AgNO3 as an Ag source. The physical and chemical properties of SMTN were studied by XRD, SEM, TEM, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared products was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine B (Rh B) aqueous solution at ambient temperature under visible light irradiation. The experimental results reveal that the TiO2 nanorods, which are well dispersed and uniform, attached large numbers of silver nanoparticles on the surface, and the major crystalline phase of TiO2 is anatase. The photocatalytic activity research shows that the SMTN exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic activity in visible light region compared with that of pure TiO2 nanorods and commercial TiO2 (P25).