Ag2O nanoparticle/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructures with remarkable photo-response and photocatalytic properties under UV, visible and near-infrared irradiation

• A novel photocatalyst of Ag2O nanoparticle/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructure is reported.
• Utilize a broad range of wavelengths from UV to near-infrared (NIR) for organic contaminants degradation.
• The improved photocatalytic property can be attributed to highly dispersed Ag2O nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 nanobelts and efficient charge separation efficiency.

Finding a novel photocatalyst that can operate over a broad range of wavelengths from UV to near-infrared (NIR) holds great potential for diverse uses. Here, an Ag2O nanoparticle/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic performance of degrading methyl orange (MO) under UV, visible and NIR irradiation is prepared. Such an excellent photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the synergistic effects, including highly dispersed Ag2O nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 nanobelts and efficient charge separation efficiency induced by the heterostructure between Ag2O and TiO2. Finally, a possible photocatalytic mechanism is proposed for this novel photocatalyst. This current work can afford a new paradigm for the full utilization of solar light.

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