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Preparation and characterization of Ag@AgCl-doped fly ash cenospheres for photocatalytic applications

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Abstract

A plasmonic photocatalyst composite based on Ag@AgCl and fly ash cenospheres was successfully prepared through a two-step method. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy were used to determine the structure and optical properties of the Ag@AgCl-doped fly ash cenospheres (denoted Ag@AgCl/FAC). SEM micrographs showed that Ag@AgCl was well deposited on the surface of the fly ash cenospheres. Photocatalytic experiment results showed that the degradation ratio increased with increasing dosage of Ag@AgCl/fly ash cenospheres; proper concentration of pollutant was important for the photocatalytic reaction for given amount of catalyst. Moreover, improved degradation of rhodamine B was observed at acidic conditions under visible-light irradiation. This excellent catalytic ability is mainly attributed to the formation of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of the fly ash cenospheres and the high separation efficiency of photoelectron–hole pairs.

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Acknowledgments

This research project was financially supported by the Young and Middle-Aged Academic Key Members of Anhui University of Science and Technology, Doctor’s Degree Innovation Training Program (2013bj1105) and the International Cooperative Project of Anhui Province (12030-603003).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Earth Science and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China

    Shaomin Liu, Qing Yang, Jinglin Zhu, Dinlong Zhu & Xingming Wang

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  1. Shaomin Liu
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  2. Qing Yang
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  3. Jinglin Zhu
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  4. Dinlong Zhu
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  5. Xingming Wang
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Correspondence to Shaomin Liu.

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Liu, S., Yang, Q., Zhu, J. et al. Preparation and characterization of Ag@AgCl-doped fly ash cenospheres for photocatalytic applications. Res Chem Intermed 43, 703–716 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-016-2647-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-016-2647-z

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