Preparation and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag@TiO2 core-shell nanocomposite nanowires

Ag@TiO2 core-shell nanocomposite nanowires were synthesized via a vapor-thermal method using Ag nanowires as templates and tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT) as precursors at 150 degrees C for 10 h. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution at ambient temperature under UV-light irradiation. The results show that the Ag@TiO2 core-shell nanowires exhibit highly efficient and recyclable photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB aqueous solution. Moreover, in contrast to the discrete nanoparticles, the Ag@TiO2 nanowires can be readily separated from the treated solution by natural settlement after photocatalytic reaction. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.