Synthesis of fullerene modified with Ag2S with high photocatalytic activity under visible light

Abstract

We improve the photocatalytic effect of Ag₂S under visible light by using fullerene modified with Ag₂S nanoparticles. Surface areas and pore volumes of the Ag₂S–fullerene samples showed catastrophic decreases due to the deposition of Ag₂S. The generation of reactive oxygen species was detected through the oxidation reaction from 1,5-diphenyl carbazide (DPCI) to 1,5-diphenyl carbazone (DPCO). It is found that the photocurrent density and the photocatalytic effect increase in the case with the modified fullerene. In comparison with the separate effects of Ag₂S and fullerene nanoparticles, the photocatalytic effect of the fullerene modified with Ag₂S composites is increased significantly due to the synergetic effect between the fullerene and the Ag₂S nanoparticles.