Open three-dimensionally ordered macroporous composite Ag/TiO2: synthesis and multi-modes photocatalytic degradation Malachite green.

The three-dimensionally ordered macroporous composite Ag/TiO₂ was synthesized by vacuum filtration and the calcined treatment. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements were employed to characterize its composition, structure, morphology, and surface physicochemical properties. The results showed that as-composite had good crystal structure, of which connected holes were neat, orderly, open and transparent, which belonged to three-dimensionally ordered macroporous materials (3DOM). Moreover, with polystyrene colloidal crystal as the template, the surface area of 3DOM Ag/TiO₂ composite significantly increased. During the degradation of Malachite green under multi-modes photocatalytic experiments, including the ultraviolet, visible and simulated sunlight irradiation, the 3DOM Ag/TiO₂ composite exhibited better photocatalytic activity than that of Ag/TiO₂ and TiO₂. Meanwhile, it also showed degradation effects on different pollutants. In addition, according to the trapping experiments under UV light irradiation, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism of 3DOM Ag/TiO₂ was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]