Photocatalytic coatings of silver–TiO2 nanocomposites on foamed waste-glass prepared by sonochemical process

Silver–TiO2 nanocomposite was prepared by photodeposition of silver nanoparticles on the surface of titanium dioxide. The sonochemical method was used for the deposition of silver–TiO2 powder on commercial foamed waste-glass strips (FWGS). The silver–TiO2 and the coated FWGS was characterized by XRD, DRS, SEM, TEM and nitrogen adsorption. In order to enhance silver–TiO2 deposition, different parameters were evaluated such as the solvent effect and use of stabilizing agents. The best deposition was obtained with an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and an ultrasound irradiation source of 23.3 kHz. The photocatalytic activity of the silver–TiO2 coated FWGS was evaluated in the UV photo-assisted destruction of the noxious microalgae, Tetraselmis suecica. It was found that after the photocatalytic irradiation, for 180 min, the algae cells were deformed, fragmented and annihilated, thereby avoiding its regeneration.