Microstructure And Photo-catalytic Dye Degradation Of Silver- Silica Nano Composites Synthesised By Sol-gel Method

Sol–gel chemistry has recently attracted a large attention with a view of preparation of silver-silica nano-composites for photo-catalytic applications. This method of synthesis allows glassy materials to be prepared at a much lower temperature than the traditional melt-glass techniques. Moreover, it enables higher doping concentrations and a more uniform distribution of silver in the glass host matrix to be achieved. This method produces large quantities of amorphous gels that are thermal treated in air at the temperature of 500°C for one hour. The silver-silica samples were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD for the determination of their microstructure, phase and compositions. It is found that the microstructure depends closely on the solution pH and the extent of silver-doping. MB dye degradation by undoped and Ag doped SiO2 was studied under UV and Visible light irradiation. The results are intriguing as the doping by Ag produces opposite effects on photocatalytic degrada