Hydrothermally-Derived Silver-Decorated Nanocrystalline Anatase Photocatalyst for Reactive Violet 2 Photodegradation

A photocatalyst comprised of Ag nanoparticles dispersed on an anatase matrix has been prepared using a simple hydrothermal method without additional thermal treatment. The material was characterized scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission (HRTEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. catalyst activity evaluated by photocatalytic degradation C.I. Reactive Violet 2 (RV2) aqueous solution under UVA visible light illumination. SEM revealed the non-uniform dispersion silver particles throughout composed fine particles. According to XRD analysis, pure with crystallite size 8 nm calculated through Scherrer equation. HRTEM micrograph analysis showed that possess spherical morphology narrow distribution average particle more active {100} crystal surface exposed, while were between 60 90 nm. bandgap 3.26 eV basis DRS spectrum, specific area 209 m2g−1 established from adsorption Thus, synthesis approach subsequent treatment, agglomeration reduction have avoided. Prepared nano Ag/anatase exhibits excellent efficiency for photodegradation RV2 irradiation.