N-doped Ag/TiO2 hollow spheres for highly efficient photocatalysis under visible-light irradiation

Abstract

This paper describes the synthesis of TiO₂ hollow spheres (HSs) modified via nitrogen doping and silver loading (Ag–N–TiO₂) with particle diameters of ~100 nm. The specific surface area of the Ag–N–TiO₂ was up to 147 m² g⁻¹ and this structure is stable upon high temperature treatment. Ag–N–TiO₂ exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye compounds under visible light irradiation (≥410 nm) due to their larger surface area and controlled morphology compared with previously reported N-doped TiO₂ fine particles (e.g. N–P25).