Plasmonic enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag/TiO₂ tube-in-tube fibers

Ag nanoparticle was found to significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of self-organized TiO2 nanotube structures. Herein, novel Ag/TiO2 tube-in-tube fibers have been prepared by a facile electrospinning technology and calcination process. Employed as the photocatalyst, the composite could efficiently catalyze the photodegradation of the model organic pollutant, rhodamine B under visible light irradiation, exhibiting a superior photocatalytic activity than the undoped TiO2 tube-in-tube fibers. This enhanced activity has been ascribed to plasmonic characteristics of Ag nanoparticles, which promote the light absorption and charge transfer feasibility. The simple, low-cost and green fabrication route of the composite provides a novel means for preparing similar materials, holding great promise for wider application in the future.