Ag2O/TiO2/V2O5 one-dimensional nanoheterostructures for superior solar light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Titanium dioxide has attracted considerable interest as a prototypical semiconductor photocatalyst. However, because of the relative large bandgap energy, further application of TiO₂ photocatalyst is limited by its inefficient solar energy conversion. Various attempts have been made to broaden the light absorption window of the TiO₂, such as growth of TiO₂-based heterostructures. Herein, a novel three-component system, Ag₂O/TiO₂/V₂O₅ one-dimensional nanoheterostructures with enhanced solar light absorption, is prepared by depositing Ag₂O nanoparticles onto the surface of TiO₂/V₂O₅ nanofibers through a two-step synthetic process. This three-component system exhibits excellent solar-driven photocatalytic activity, far exceeding those of the single- and two-component systems, as a result of extended solar light absorption and efficient electron–hole separation. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of Ag₂O/TiO₂/V₂O₅ one-dimensional nanoheterostructures is very stable for recycling use.