Decoration of TiO2 anatase nanoplates with silver nanoparticles on the {1 0 1} crystal facets and their photocatalytic behaviour

•Ag nanoparticles exclusively photodeposited on the {1 0 1} anatase crystal facets.•The photodeposition irradiation time tuned the size of the Ag nanoparticles.•The size of the Ag nanoparticles affected photocatalytic activity of the samples.•Ag decorated nanoplates have high activity for NO oxidation and NOx removal.

Ag nanoparticles were photodeposited on the {1 0 1} crystal facets of the TiO2 anatase nanoplates. This was achieved with the photoreduction of AgNO3 in methanol solution in which TiO2 anatase nanoplates were suspended while UVA irradiation was performed. The size range of the photodeposited silver nanoparticles was between 5 and 20 nm. The manipulation of their size was achieved by controlling the UVA light irradiation period of time whereas the formation on the specific facet of the TiO2 anatase nanocrystal was managed by using methanol as a hole scavenger. The silver ions (Ag+) were photoreduced by the electrons that were photogenerated due to the TiO2 anatase nanoplates irradiation with UVA light. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was examined in NO oxidation, showing a higher photocatalytic activity and photonic efficiency in comparison to the pure TiO2 anatase nanoplates.

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