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

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. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.