In situ synthesis of visible-light-driven α-MnO2 nanorod/AgBr nanocomposites for increased photoinduced charge separation and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Novel alpha-MnO2/AgBr nanocomposite was synthesized successfully by simple template free metods. Hydrothermal method was applied for shape control fabrication of alpha-MnO2 and AgBr nanoparticles was loaded by precipitation. Prepared photocatalyststs were characterized physically and chemically by XRD, XPS, FTIR, Raman, EDX, PZC, BET, DRS, PL, PC, TEM and EIS to verify the alpha-MnO2/AgBr properties and structure. The photoactivity of the prepared photocatalysts was investigated under visible light. Different parameters on activity of visible light activated photocatalysts for methylene blue degradation were investigated and reaction mechanism was proposed based on quenching approach. The observation confirmed that alpha-MnO2/AgBr has high photocatalytic performance toward dye removal and degradation. The degradation kinetics followed pseudo first order kinetic model. It is found that alpha-MnO2/AgBr composite exhibits much higher photoactivity than alpha-MnO2. The high photocataytic activity based on DRS, PL and EIS is ascribed to improved light absorption, efficient separation and transfer of charge carriers through the alpha-MnO2/AgBr lattice. The PC experiments indicate that the combination of AgBr with alpha-MnO2 leads to the electron-hole recombination inhibition. The prepared photocatalysts exhibited excellent reusability capability which make them potentially useful in environmental remediation and management.

Automated summary

A novel alpha-MnO2/AgBr nanocomposite was successfully synthesized using a simple template-free method, and exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance for dye removal and degradation. The high photocatalytic activity is attributed to improved light absorption, efficient charge separation and transfer, and inhibition of electron-hole recombination through the alpha-MnO2/AgBr lattice. The prepared photocatalysts also showed excellent reusability capability, making them potentially useful in environmental remediation and management.