Enhanced sunlight photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4 decorated novel combustion synthesis derived TiO2 nanobelts for dye and bacterial degradation

Abstract

This study demonstrates the synthesis of TiO₂ nanobelts using solution combustion derived TiO₂ with enhanced photocatalytic activity for dye degradation and bacterial inactivation. Hydrothermal treatment of combustion synthesized TiO₂ resulted in unique partially etched TiO₂ nanobelts and Ag₃PO₄ was decorated using the co-precipitation method. The catalyst particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, BET surface area analysis, diffuse reflectance and electron microscopy. The photocatalytic properties of the composites of Ag₃PO₄ with pristine combustion synthesized TiO₂ and commercial TiO₂ under sunlight were compared. Therefore the studies conducted proved that the novel Ag₃PO₄/unique combustion synthesis derived TiO₂ nanobelt composites exhibited extended light absorption, better charge transfer mechanism and higher generation of hydroxyl and hole radicals. These properties resulted in enhanced photodegradation of dyes and bacteria when compared to the commercial TiO₂ nanocomposite. These findings have important implications in designing new photocatalysts for water purification.