Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Au/TiO2/SBA-15 for enhanced visible-light photoactivity

• A facile approach was developed for Au nanoparticles supported on highly dispersed TiO2 within the SBA-15.
• Au/TiO2/SBA-15 exhibited a markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.
• Au/TiO2/SBA-15 displayed a better photocatalytic performance compared to the commercial P25.
• Au/TiO2/SBA-15 composite exhibited excellent cycling stability.

In this study, a two-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthetic approach was adopted to prepare a Au/TiO2/SBA-15 photocatalyst. Results from X-ray diffraction, N2 sorption, and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the formation of a composite with an ordered mesoporous structure over highly dispersed TiO2 as well as a close contact between the Au and TiO2 nanoparticles within the SBA-15 framework. Compared to the commercial P25 and TiO2/SBA-15 catalysts, the as-prepared Au/TiO2/SBA-15 photocatalyst exhibited a markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation.

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