Green synthesis, characterization and efficient photocatalytic study of hydrothermal-assisted Ag@TiO2 nanocomposites

The study involves synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using variable amount of silver by a facile & cost effective method. Ag@TiO2 NPs which is an alternative to traditional chemical method using the aqueous extract Leucas Aspera plant as an agent for both reducing and capping. The synthesized material was analysed by UV-vis, infra red, Raman, HRTEM, XPS, XRD, SAED, EDS and all these confirmed the presence of anatase phase titanium dioxide. Crystalline nature and purity of Ag@TiO2 was confirmed from sharp peaks obtained from the XRD. HR -TEM confirmed the size of nanoparticle produced in the range of 5 nm. Spectral data of Raman and XPS studies confirmed oxidation state and energy modes of Ag@TiO2 NPs. The Ag anchored TiO2 nanostructure mediated photo-degradation of picric acid exhibited higher catalytic activity than that of titanium oxide supporting irradiation of visible-light. The concentration at 1.0 x 10-2 M of silver coated titanium dioxide NPs attained higher photocatalytic performance within 60 min, indicating the advancement of toxic dye removal from the environment using bioinspired Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles.

Automated summary

This study synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles with varying amounts of silver using a convenient and cost-effective method. Ag@TiO2 NPs were produced as an alternative to traditional chemical synthesis using an aqueous extract from the Leucas Aspera plant. Analytical techniques such as UV-vis, infrared, Raman, HRTEM, XPS, XRD, SAED, and EDS confirmed the presence of anatase phase titanium dioxide. The Ag anchored TiO2 nanostructure exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of picric acid compared to pure titanium oxide under visible-light irradiation.