Ag@C core/shell nanocomposite as a highly efficient plasmonic photocatalyst

Ag@C core/shell nanocomposite was synthesized by a hydrothermal process and demonstrated as a new plasmonic photocatalyst. The as-prepared Ag@C exhibited high photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of aqueous tetraethylated rhodamine (RhB) and gaseous acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) under visible-light irradiation. The origin of the high photocatalytic activity was discussed, which is mainly ascribed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of silver nanoparticles in the Ag@C composite.