Photocatalytic degradation of methyl red dye

Abstract

Silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) are active in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl red dye (MR). Si₂ NPs and Si₂ NPs that have been doped with either silver (Ag NPs) and/or gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were prepared. The particle size and morphology of the catalysts were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. The rate of photocatalytic degradation of MR was found to increase from SiO₂ NPs, SiO₂ NPs coated with both Au NPs and Ag NPs, SiO₂ NPs coated with Ag NPs, SiO₂ NPs coated with Au NPs, Ag⁺-doped SiO₂ NPs to Au³⁺-doped SiO₂ NPs.