Enhancement of visible light induced photocatalytic degradation of Eosin-Y by using TiO2 and Ag doped TiO2 nano catalyst

TiO2 and Ag doped TiO2 were synthesized by sol gel method. Morphology of as synthesized Ag doped TiO2 nano catalyst was investigated using scanning election microscopy (SEM), Electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity of Ag doped TiO2 nano catalyst was investigated by degradation of Eosin-Y solution under visible light radiation. The effects of various experimental parameters such as the Eosin-Y concentration, catalyst dose, and pH on the photocatalytic degradation were investigated. The kinetics study shows that the reaction follows first order kinetics. Among the different amounts of dopant that like 1, 2, and 4wt% Ag-doped with TiO2 nanocatalyst. It was observed that 4 wt % Ag doped TiO2 shows highest degradation with visible light radiation for Eosin-Y solution than pure TiO2 nano catalyst. The particle size, morphology and separation of photo induced electron–hole pair are the main factors which influence photocatalytic activity. The degradation by-products formed during the complete degradation process were qualitatively identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS) and a detailed degradation pathway has been proposed.