Facile synthesis of mesoporous Ag-loaded TiO2 thin film and its photocatalytic properties

Ag nanoparticles highly dispersed into TiO2 thin films are synthesized via a remarkably simple one-pot route in the presence of a P123 triblock copolymer as template directing and reducing agents, where the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 by in situ heat-induced reduction through the oxidation of template at 400 °C and the controlled polymerization of TiO2 take place simultaneously. The obtained mesoporous Ag/TiO2 films deposited on soda-lime glass were optically transparent and crack-free. SEM and Kr adsorption clearly prove that Ag/TiO2 films at different Ag contents are mesoporous with large surface area and regularly ordered mesopores and the thickness of the obtained films is ∼280 ± 20 nm. The pristine TiO2 film exhibits a specific surface area of 63 cm2/cm2 and specific pore volume of 0.013 mm3/cm2 that it is decreased to 42 cm2/cm2 and 0.010 mm3/cm2 respectively as a result of Ag-loaded mesoporous TiO2. The newly prepared photocatalysts Ag/TiO2 films were evaluated for their photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol as a model reaction. It was found that the meso-ordered Ag/TiO2 films are more photoactive 8 times than nonporous commercial photocatalysts Pilkington Glass Activ™. The recycling tests indicated that Ag/TiO2 films was quite stable during that liquid–solid heterogeneous photocatalysis since no significant decrease in activity was observed even after being used repetitively for 10 times, showing a good potential in practical application. In general, the cubic mesoporous Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites are stable and can be recycled without loss of their photochemical activity.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ag/TiO2 films were evaluated for their photodegradation of 2-chlorophenol. ► Meso-ordered Ag/TiO2 films are more photoactive 8 times than nonporous one. ► The recycling tests indicated that Ag/TiO2 films were quite stable.