Synthesis of (Ag,F)-modified anatase TiO2 nanosheets and their enhanced photocatalytic activity.

A series of TiO2 nanosheets are prepared with different amounts of AgNO3 and HF solution through a solvothermal process. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). From the results it is clear that the added HF solution inhibits the crystallite size growth in the [001] direction, and induces the formation of the TiO2 nanosheets with highly exposed (001) facets. There is a strong interaction between the Ag nanoparticles and the TiO2 support. The (Ag,F)-modified TiO2 catalyst exhibits high activity of MB photodegradation under both UV light and visible light irradiation. Two mechanisms of photocatalysis under UV light and visible light irradiation were discussed and proposed. It is indicated that the strong interaction between the Ag nanoparticles and the TiO2 support improves the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanosheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]