Silver/carbon co-decorated hollow TiO2 catalyst drives the efficient photocatalytic degradation/catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol

The excellent photocatalytic degradation/catalytic reduction of phenolic pollutants still is a challenge. Here, we report a new silver/carbon co-decorated hollow TiO₂ photocatalyst (Ag/C-TiO₂) by depositing Ag NPs on the surface of carbon decorated hollow TiO₂ sphere. This preparation process mainly involves in the synthesis of CPS@TiO₂ template, the immobilization of silver ions, the preparation of carbon co-decorated hollow TiO₂, and the formation of Ag/C-TiO₂ photocatalyst. The as-synthesized Ag/C-TiO₂ photocatalyst exhibits a complete removal (100%) of phenolic pollutants (phenol or 4-nitrophenol) under simulated sunlight due to the synergistic effect of silver decoration and carbon species. Notably, corresponding 4-aminophenol is achieved almost quantitatively towards the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol. Especially, the Ag/C-TiO₂ photocatalyst exhibits a good stability and recyclability towards the photocatalytic degradation/reduction of 4-NP. Therefore, this work presents a rational design concept of highly efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation.