One‐step deposition of nano‐Ag‐TiO_2 coatings by atmospheric pressure plasma jet for water treatment: Application to trace pharmaceutical removal using solar photocatalysis

摘要

In this study, micrometer thick Ag-TiO2 coatings were deposited in a single and facile step by spraying the precursor in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet with different concentrations of Ag nanoparticles. The homogenous distribution of Ag decreased the TiO2 crystal size and increased the surface area. The coatings were characterized to be porous with an anatase phase with improved charge separation and visible light absorption. The photocatalytic activity of the materials was investigated for degrading rhodamine B using a white lamp as a screening method to optimize Ag-TiO2 coatings. Then the photodegradation of trace pharmaceutical compounds (TrPCs) was investigated by using a solar light simulator at the optimal condition of a TiO2 coating with 0.4wt% Ag.