Highly Efficient Ag-doped TiO₂/graphite oxide photocatalyst for Rhodamine B degradation in wastewater treatment

The primary aim of this study is to design and assess a novel, low-cost Ag-doped TiO₂/graphite oxide photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), with potential application in wastewater treatment. For this purpose, the photocatalyst was synthesized via a single-step sol-gel method combined with microwave treatment, incorporating a minimal amount of silver dopant (1 wt% Ag: Ti) and supported in nano-graphite oxide sheets. The photocatalytic properties of Ag-TiO₂/nGO nanocomposite were investigated in Rhodamine B (RhB) dye solution, under two different conditions: in the dark, and when subjected to UV-Vis radiation for 30 and 60 min. The findings demonstrated photocatalytic efficiency of 75 % in only 30 min of UV-Vis radiation, and 90 % degradation of RhB after 60 min. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-S/TEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) provided structural and morphological characterization of the sample. The XRD analysis verified the anatase structure of TiO₂ and the presence of nano-graphite oxide; XPS analysis verified the successful incorporation of silver dopant. This research study presents a cost-effective and efficient approach for developing a novel TiO₂/graphite oxide photocatalyst with strong potential for application in wastewater treatment plants.