Substantial enhancement in the photocatalytic degradation of organic/inorganic pollutants in water and photoelectrochemical activity using TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 core-shell nanorods

Abstract

Novel and efficient TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 core-shell nanorods (hereafter referred as TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 NRs) were rationally constructed via a facile hydrothermal method. Optical absorption and emission spectra, HRTEM, and XRD investigations were used to ensure the development of nanostructures. The element composition of the composite was further validated by XPS analysis. The energy harvesting efficiency of TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 NRs is higher than that of bare TiO2, TiO2@Ag, and TiO2@LaFeO3 NRs. The photocurrent value of TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 NRs is greatly increased by coating with Ag and LaFeO3 shell on the TiO2 NRs core. Under illumination of simulated solar light, the charge transfer resistance of TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 NRs is significantly reduced. Due to perfect band matching, efficient charge carrier generation, and effective separation within the nanostructure, the maximum catalytic activity of TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 NRs was obtained. The photocatalytic activity was also investigated for poisonous chemical disintegration and water-soluble harmful Cu2+ ion reduction. The TiO2@Ag@LaFeO3 NRs demonstrated effective photocatalytic reproducibility, universality, and stability for the disintegration of hazardous organic/inorganic compounds.