Dye desorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by Ag@C nanostructure

In this paper, by a hydrothermal method and using sucrose and silver nitrate, carbon nanospheres and high purity Ag@C core-shell nanostructures were prepared. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDX and FTIR spectroscopy. The average diameter of the carbon spheres, Ag@C core-shells and their core were measured 250, 350 and 55 nm, respectively. Finally, the adsorption capacity and photocatalytic performance of the Ag@C core-shells were investigated by decomposition of methylene blue dye. The results revealed that the Ag@C core-shell show a relatively good photocatalytic performance.HighlightsAg@C core-shell nanostructures were prepared using a hydrothermal method.The dye adsorption and photocatalytic performance of the Ag@C was investigated.Methylene blue was chosen as pollutant agent.After 180 minutes UV irradiation more than 50% of the dye was decomposed.