Controlled synthesis of yttrium gallium garnet spherical nanostructures modified by silver oxide nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Spherical yttrium gallium garnet (Y₃Ga₅O₁₂) samples were prepared by a single-step hydrothermal synthesis method, and these particles were coated with silver oxide (Ag₂O) nanoparticles by following a facile wet chemical approach at ambient temperature. The structural, morphological, vibrational and optical properties of the as-prepared and Ag₂O modified Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ samples were analyzed. From Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns, the crystal structure of the Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ sample was refined. The morphological properties confirmed that the particles were spherical and their surfaces were covered with Ag₂O nanoparticles. The Ag₂O modified Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ sample exhibited a relatively enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the pure Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ sample in Rhodamine B solution, suggesting that the introduction of Ag₂O broadens the absorption of light and controls the photogenerated carrier recombination in Y₃Ga₅O₁₂. These results provide a clear perspective on the synthesis of hybrid photocatalyst materials which have several ways of photogenerated carrier migration.