Plasmonic Photocatalytic Activity of Silver Nano-Particles Using Carbon Sphere as Support

Carbon sphere with uniform size is prepared through a simple and green hydrothermal method. Ag particles are loaded on the carbon sphere surface to form a novel plasmonic photocatalyst C@Ag. C@Ag shows two times activity than single Ag component in de-coloration of rhodamine B (Rh.B), and indicates higher performance than P25-N. 85% Rh. B was decolored after 180 minutes. Carbon sphere not only enhances the photocatalytic activity, but also reduces the cost of noble Ag metal. In addition, hydroxyl radical is detected and it acts as important active species during plasmonic photocatalytic reaction.