Synthesis and characterization of Pr6O11 and Ag/Pr6O11 nanorods and their photocatalytic activity toward dye degradation

Both Pr6O11 and Ag/Pr6O11 nanorods are the promising catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant. Hereby, Pr(OH)3 nanorods were prepared via the ammonia-diffusion process, then Pr6O11 nanorods were obtained by calcining Pr(OH)3 nanorods. Ag/Pr6O11 nanorods were prepared by depositing Ag on the Pr6O11 nanorods. Photocatalytic capabilities of both Pr6O11 and Ag/Pr6O11 nanorods were investigated with the degradation of Rhodamine B under Xe-lamp irradiation. The results indicated that while the attached Ag suppressed the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, the extraordinary surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles would enhance the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B.