The surface of commercial TiO2 compounds (P25
and ST01)
has been modified with Ag nanoparticles induced by radiolysis. On
P25, the Ag nanoclusters are very small (1–2 nm) and homogeneous
in size while on ST01, two populations of nanoparticles are obtained,
small nanoparticles (1–2 nm) and larger ones (mean diameter
7 to 12 nm depending on the silver loading). The photocatalytic properties
of Ag-modified TiO2 have been studied for phenol photodegradation
in aqueous suspensions under UV and visible light. Their electronic
properties have been studied by time resolved microwave conductivity
(TRMC) to follow the charge-carrier dynamics. TRMC measurements show
that the TiO2 modification (P25 and ST01) with Ag nanoparticles
plays a role in charge-carrier separations increasing the activity
under UV light. Indeed, Ag nanoparticles act as electron scavengers,
decreasing the charge carrier recombination. TRMC measurements show
also that more electrons are produced in the conduction band of P25
under UV illumination of Ag-modified P25. Surface modification by
silver nanoparticles induces also a modification of the absorption
properties of the photocatalyst creating an activity under visible
light.
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