Green synthesis of halloysite nanotubes supported Ag nanoparticles for photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue

Using tea polyphenols (TPs) as a reductant, Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) supported on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were simply and greenly synthesized for the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB). HNTs were initially functionalized by N-β-aminoethyl-γ-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) to introduce amino groups to form N-HNTs to fasten the AgNPs; then AgNPs were synthesized and ‘anchored’ on the surface of the HNTs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to testify the amino groups on the surface of the HNTs. Transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction were utilized to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized HNTs supported by the AgNPs (AgNPs@N-HNTs). The results showed that the AgNPs had been synthesized and ‘anchored’ onto the surface of the HNTs with a diameter of about 20–30 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed the chelating interaction between the AgNPs and N atoms together with the TP molecular. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared AgNPs@N-HNTs catalyst was evaluated by decomposition of MB; the results showed that the prepared catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and high adsorption capability to MB.