Silver-infused TiO₂ nanowires and unveiling their potential for superior wastewater dye remediations

Silver infused ultrathin TiO2 nanowires (NWs) were synthesized via a single step solvothermal approach. The crystallinity, structure, and morphology were determined to understand the physicochemical nature of the nanocomposites. The catalytic efficiency of the newly synthesized nanocatalysts was tested for the textile waste treatment taking methylene blue (MB) as model pollutant under solar light irradiations. Nearly 96% photodegradation efficiency for MB was achieved within 20 min. Furthermore, the recyclability of the photocatalyst was also studied, and the material remained stable and effective up to four consecutive runs. Research Highlights center dot Precise size-controlled synthesis of Ag-incorporated titania nanowires (ATNWs) center dot Controlled aspect ratios, with tunable lengths and diameters (100-3 nm) via precursor and surfactant optimization center dot Demonstrated ATNWs' efficiency in degrading toxic dye, methylene blue (MB) center dot 96% photodegradation efficiency for MB achieved within 20 min using 3 nm thick annealed TiO2 NWs center dot Recyclability efficiency of photocatalyst, which remained stable and effective for up to four consecutive runs