Mesoporous Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites with greatly enhanced photocatalytic performance towards degradation of methyl orange under visible light

Ag/TiO2 photocatalysis has received tremendous attention as a potential solution to the worldwide energy shortage and for counteracting environmental degradation. Here, the combination of dealloying with calcination has been used to fabricate mesoporous Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites with a large specific surface area of 90.18 m(2) g(-1). In these nanocomposites, the Ag nanoparticles are well dispersed in the mesoporous anatase TiO2 matrix with a 3 dimensional network structure. More importantly, the Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites show greatly enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methyl orange under visible light as well as UV irradiation, compared to commercial P25. The photocatalytic mechanism has been rationalized on the basis of a Schottky junction, co-existence of metallic Ag, and large specific surface area. The present Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites show great potentials for photocatalysis under solar light.