Substantial enhancement in the photocatalytic degradation of organic/inorganic pollutants in water and photoelectrochemical activity using TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 core–shell nanorods

Abstract

Novel and efficient TiO₂@Ag@LaFeO₃ core–shell nanorods (hereafter referred as TiO₂@Ag@LaFeO₃ NRs) were rationally constructed via a facile hydrothermal method. Optical absorption and emission spectra, HRTEM, and XRD investigations were used to ensure the development of nanostructures. The element composition of the composite was further validated by XPS analysis. The energy harvesting efficiency of TiO₂@Ag@LaFeO₃ NRs is higher than that of bare TiO₂, TiO₂@Ag, and TiO₂@LaFeO₃ NRs. The photocurrent value of TiO₂@Ag@LaFeO₃ NRs is greatly increased by coating with Ag and LaFeO₃ shell on the TiO₂ NRs core. Under illumination of simulated solar light, the charge transfer resistance of TiO₂@Ag@LaFeO₃ NRs is significantly reduced. Due to perfect band matching, efficient charge carrier generation, and effective separation within the nanostructure, the maximum catalytic activity of TiO₂@Ag@LaFeO₃ NRs was obtained. The photocatalytic activity was also investigated for poisonous chemical disintegration and water-soluble harmful Cu²⁺ ion reduction. The TiO₂@Ag@LaFeO₃ NRs demonstrated effective photocatalytic reproducibility, universality, and stability for the disintegration of hazardous organic/inorganic compounds.