Structure and photocatalytic properties of materials based on titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles

Phase composition and structure of mesostructured materials, titanium dioxide and titanium dioxide modified with silver nanoparticles, have been studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Introduction of Ag(I) ions into the initial composition and variation of the annealing temperature over the 500–950°C range allows controlling the anatase to rutile crystal phase ratio in the samples. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and TiO2/Ag samples has been demonstrated using the methyl orange degradation reaction. The catalytic properties of the materials have been found to depend on the anatase to rutile phase ratio and on the presence of silver nanoparticles.