Improved Photocatalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles Modified Barium Titanate Nanocubes Under Ultraviolet Light Irradiation
Abstract
Plasmonic photocatalysts, which combine plasmonic nanoparticles with semiconductor photocatalysts have been proven to significantly improve the overall photocatalysis processs and enhance its efficiency. In the present report, we have synthesized barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) nanocubes and then we have decorated gold nanoparticles on the surface of barium titanate nanocubes (Au@BaTiO 3 ). The as-synthesized materials were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS),. We have investigated the ability of the developed nanostructure toward the degradation of organic pollutant rhodamine B in water. A comparison of the performances of BaTiO 3 nanocubes and Au@BaTiO 3 nanocomposite is also presented. The superior photocatalytic performance of Au@BaTiO 3 nanocomposite makes it an attractive candidate for environmental applications to treat water pollution.
Article ID 1896343