Ag@Ag2SO4 nanoparticles: simple microwave-assistance synthesis, characterization and its co-photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

In the present study, for the first time Ag-core/Ag2SO4-shell nanoparticles were prepared through a microwave-assisted route. Sodium dodecyl sulfate played role as surfactant and sulfur precursor to produce Ag@Ag2SO4 nanoparticles. The Ag2SO4 shell are uniformly coated on the whole surface of Ag nanoparticles. The obtained Ag@Ag2SO4 nanoparticles exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency than Ag nanoparticles and the effect of Ag2SO4-shell was significant on the photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the efficiency of Ag@Ag2SO4 nanoparticles as a co-photocatalyst for the decolorization of methylene blue using visible light irradiation has been evaluated. Moreover, a possible reaction mechanism of the formation of Ag@Ag2SO4 nanoparticles has been discussed. The as-prepared Ag@Ag2SO4 nanoparticles were extensively characterized by techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, DRS, and FT-IR.