Silver chloride thin film (SCTF) with high specific surface area was synthesized through
precipitation reaction by adding sodium chloride solution on top of frozen silver nitrate solution.
Effects of precipitation time and silver nitrate concentration on the morphology of SCTFs were
investigated. SEM images show that small crystal AgCl grains forming rod-like structure appeared on
the bottom surface of the SCTF. After exposure of SCTFs to UV light, clusters of silver atoms were
formed on the surface of SCTF as indicated by XRD analysis. Six SCTFs were attached to interior
wall of the photo-reactor using double sided adhesive tape for investigation of photocatalytic
property of the films. Almost completed decolorization of orange II dye by SCTF can be achieved under UV light illumination within two hours. SCTFs made under different initial silver nitrate
solution concentrations of 8.4 M, 4.2 M and 3.6 M have little impact on dye decolorization efficiency.
The photocatalytic degradation of orange II dye by SCTF under visible light illumination is less
efficient than that under UV light. Around 31% of color can be removed after two hours.
Relation:
Journal of Applied Science and Engineering 18(1), pp.9-16
