Atmosphere-Dependent Electron Relaxation of the Ag-Decorated TiO2 and the Relations with Photocatalytic Properties

In the current research, atmosphere effects on photoinduced electron relaxations of undecorated TiO2 and Ag-decorated (Ag/TiO2) were carefully studied by means in situ photoconductance diffuse reflection measurements. pure N2 atmosphere, results showed that relaxation mainly occurs through transfer to residual O2, Ag nanoparticles form a fast pathway. It was seen apparent activation energy O2 greatly reduced decoration. methanol-containing can still occur via case TiO2, while mechanism changes for Ag/TiO2 as are decreased with temperatures. is possible methanol molecule adsorbed perimeters could act bridge recombination holes electrons stored nanoparticles. Reducing nanoparticle size from 15 nm 3 increase due dispersion interconnection. Although increased, both photocatalytic oxidations acetone isopropanol decrease after The indicated oxidation not limited O2. increased contributed around perimeters, activities decreased.