Synthesis and characterization of Ag deposited TiO₂particles by laser ablation in water

Ag deposited TiO 2 (Ag/TiO 2 ) particles were synthesized by laser ablation of silver and titanium targets in de-ionized (DI) water. Post-annealing makes the structure stable and the materials change to crystalline state. It is a new approach to form Ag/TiO 2 particles with a simple system and non-toxic materials. TiO 2 particles with size from 20 to 30 nm coated with silver nano-clusters were observed. The silver nano-clusters can enhance the absorption capability of TiO 2 photocatalysts. UV-vis spectrum analysis shows that there is a strong absorption peak at around 400 nm. It is attributed to Ag nanoparticles surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. This effect helps to improve the spectral characteristics of TiO 2 nanoparticles with its absorption spectra shifted to a longer wavelength region. From the above properties, Ag/TiO 2 nanoparticles would have new potential applications in photocatalyst and photo-anode.