In Situ Photoactivated AgCl/Ag Nanocomposites with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity

AgCl nanoparticles with a diameter of 50100 nm were synthesized in ethylene glycol with the assistance of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) at room temperature. A photoactivation process was then introduced by exposing the as-obtained AgClnanoparticle solution to common fluorescent lamp or direct sunlight irradiation to form a uniform layer of Ag nanoparticles (510 nm) on the surface of the AgCl nanoparticles. The AgCl/Ag nanocomposites showed higher visible light photocatalytic activity for decomposing organic pollutants [such as methyl orange (MO), methyl blue (MB), and rhodamine B (RhB)] under the irradiation of common fluorescent lamp or direct sunlight. Recycle photocatalysis experiments indicated that the AgCl/Ag nanocomposite exhibited higher stability. Moreover, the AgCl/Ag nanocomposites showed better antibacterial properties on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.