As a consequence of the rapid growth of industry, major problems are created related to energy and environment. Sunlight being one of the most potential alternative source of energy, the development of efficient solar-energy storage systems is an important subject in the fields of science and technology. Here we have reviewed and summarized some of the recent reports on visible responsive photocatalysts. In this review, the influence of various metal oxide photocatalysts on energy production and pollutant removal are presented with special emphasis on titania based photocatalysts. The photoactivity of titania for various pollutant degradation, modified titania (TiO2) systems, their physical and chemical characteristics, and so forth, are described in detail at this juncture. Different methods used to enhance the visible light absorption of TiO2, like doping with metals and nonmetals, coupling with other metal oxides, and so forth, have been discussed. Various applications of photocatalysts including photocatalytic treatment of waste water, pesticide degradation and water splitting to produce hydrogen are summarized. The development of photocatalysts that function under visible light for the efficient utilization of sunlight is an area of current interest and thus the different methods of preparation for the visible active photocatalysts are also explored.
Co-doping of nanosilver, carbon and nitrogen is done on titania to get improved photodegradation of pollutants when compared to single doping. Anion doping extends the absorption of TiO2 to the visible region; whereas noble metal NP doping prevents the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes. Doped TiO2 prepared using sol gel method allows efficient dispersion of nano silver and thus enhances the photodegradability. X-ray Diffraction analysis shows the efficient dispersion of incorporated nano silver over anatase TiO2. The visible light absorption is confirmed from UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance spectral studies. Photocatalytic activity is investigated by the degradation of methyl orange as a model pollutant. Efficient degradation in visible light shows the synergetic effect of carbon and nitrogen doping as well as nano silver loading on the performance of TiO2.
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