Dye desorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by Ag@C nanostructure

Abstract

In this paper, by a hydrothermal method and using sucrose and silver nitrate, carbon nanospheres and high purity Ag@C core-shell nanostructures were prepared. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDX and FTIR spectroscopy. The average diameter of the carbon spheres, Ag@C core-shells and their core were measured 250, 350 and 55 nm, respectively. Finally, the adsorption capacity and photocatalytic performance of the Ag@C core-shells were investigated by decomposition of methylene blue dye. The results revealed that the Ag@C core-shell show a relatively good photocatalytic performance.

Highlights

• Ag@C core-shell nanostructures were prepared using a hydrothermal method.

• The dye adsorption and photocatalytic performance of the Ag@C was investigated.

• Methylene blue was chosen as pollutant agent.

• After 180 minutes UV irradiation more than 50% of the dye was decomposed.

Keywords:

• Ag@C core-shell
• carbon sphere
• photocatalysis
• methylene blue
• dye desorption

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz for financial support of this work.