Formic Acid Decomposition Using Synthesized Ag/TiO2 Nanocomposite in Ethanol-Water Media Under Illumination of Near UV Light

Abstract

The effect of ethanol-water media on the synthesis of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite was investigated with 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 (wt.%) of Ag content. Ethanol was used as hole-scavenger enhancing the photodecomposition of Ag+ ions under illumination of near-UV light. The nanocomposites were further calcined to 300˚C and 400˚C under controlled atmosphere. The synthesized nanocomposites were tested for photocatalytic efficiency decomposing formic acid as an organic pollutant under irradiation of a 4W near UV lamp with lmax at 365nm and the results were compared with that of non-modified commercially available Degussa TiO2 (P25). The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using XRD and SEM micrographs. The photocatalytic studies have revealed a constant overall performance for all synthesized nanocomposites. The initial rate of decomposition was observed to increase with decreasing Ag content, in the case of 0.05 wt.% having the best initial rate. Calcination of the nanocomposites was found to have activating properties on the synthesized nanocomposites where nanocomposite with 0.05 (wt.%) Ag content calcined at 300°C was distinctively advantageous overother calcined nanocomposites.