Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of Ag[Li1/3Ru2/3]O2: A new delafossite oxide

A new delafossite oxide, Ag[Li1/3Ru2/3]O2, synthesized by ion-exchanging interlayer-Li+ with Ag+ in layered Li2RuO3, is reported. The transformation of layered Li2RuO3 (monoclinic, space group C2/c) to Ag[Li1/3Ru2/3]O2 possessing a delafossite structure (space group R3¯m) has been established with powder X-ray diffraction. The successful conversion of Li[Li1/3Ru2/3]O2 to Ag[Li1/3Ru2/3]O2 is further confirmed by EDAX analysis. The diffuse reflectance spectrum of Ag[Li1/3Ru2/3]O2 shows broad absorption in the UV–visible region suggesting its use as a photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of Ag[Li1/3Ru2/3]O2 has been investigated by degrading various dyes. It showed significant photocatalytic activity for dye degradation both under UV and solar radiation.