Abstract :
Developing a low-energy, efficient water treatment technology is a critical need. We fabricated nano-TiO2 coated films on glass
substrates using the doctor-blade procedure and modified the film surfaces with silver (Ag). The films were characterized by X-ray
diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry.
We compared the catalytic activity of silver modified nanoparticle TiO2 (Ag–TiO2) and unmodified nanoparticle TiO2 thin films towards
photo-degradation of methyl orange (MO) under illumination of natural sunlight. When using the films for the first time, the degradation
rate of MO was 18% greater in the presence of the Ag–TiO2 film than with the unmodified TiO2 film. A control showed negligible
degradation of MO in the absence of a TiO2 film. The catalytic activity of the TiO2 films and their ability to degrade MO in batch
experiments did not change significantly with repeated experiments. There was weak evidence that the degradation efficiency of the
Ag–TiO2 films did decrease with repeated uses, but the decrease was small. This study demonstrates the potential of a novel application
of silver modified and unmodified nano-TiO2 films to efficiently treat dissolved organic contaminants in water in the presence of sunlight.
2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
