Synthesis of Ag/Sm(OH)₃ nanotubes with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

In this article, a novel photocatalyst: Ag/Sm(OH)₃ nanotubes was successfully synthesized using a common oil bath approach at 80 °C. The composition, structure, morphology, and photocatalytic properties were investigated in detail. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the diameters of Sm(OH)₃ nanotubes are about 50 nm, its length are in the range of 300–350 nm, and Ag nanoparticles with size of 5–20 nm are uniformly anchored on the surface of Sm(OH)₃ nanotubes. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicated excellent photo absorption of Ag/Sm(OH)₃ shifting from UV-light to visible-light. The transient photocurrent responses demonstrated that the deposition of Ag nanoparticles onto the Sm(OH)₃ nanotubes promote the separation of photogenerated carriers sufficiently. The as-prepared Ag/Sm(OH)₃ nanotubes exhibit a remarkable photocatalytic activity. The possible mechanism has been studied. The excellent photocatalytic performance for degrading the organic pollutants is ascribed to the formation of surface plasmon resonance induced by Ag nanoparticles, which can enhance the absorption of visible light and boost photogenerated charge separation/transfer.