Ag loaded flower-like BaTiO3nanotube arrays: Fabrication and enhanced photocatalytic property

Abstract

Flower-like BaTiO₃ nanotube arrays (NTAs) were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method using TiO₂ NTAs as precursors. Ag-loaded BaTiO₃ NTAs were formed by a photochemical reduction method. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results show that Ag nanoparticles can be homogeneously dispersed on the surface of BaTiO₃ NTAs. The loaded Ag exists in the form of a metal. The photocatalytic activity of Ag-BaTiO₃ NTAs was evaluated from the analysis of the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO). It is found that the pH value strongly influences photocatalytic activity of the films, and Ag-BaTiO₃ NTAs perform excellent photocatalytic activity at a low pH value. In addition, the effect of concentration of AgNO₃ dipping solution on the photocatalytic degradation of MO was also studied.