Preparation of Ag2O/TiO2/fly-ash cenospheres composite photocatalyst

An environment-friendly composite photocatalyst Ag2O/TiO2/fly ash cenospheres (FACs) was successfully synthesized. It was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), etc. The photocatalytic degradation activities on methylene blue (MB) solution under UV light and visible light were studied. The results indicated that fly-ash cenospheres (FACs) were covered by TiO2 and Ag2O shell. The Ag2O/TiO2/FACs had good photocatalytic activity under UV light and visible light. Enhancement mechanisms of Ag2O/TiO2/FACs photocatalyst under UV-light and visible-light irradiation are discussed. The heterostructure of Ag2O/TiO2 is the primary reason. Ag2O/TiO2/FACs may be used in continuous photocatalytic unit. •Composite photocatalyst Ag2O/TiO2/fly-ash cenospheres(FACs) was synthesized.•Ag2O/TiO2/FACs is an environment-friendly photocatalyst with good photocatalytic activity.•It may be applied in consecutive photocatalytic degrade organics under sunlight.•The goal of using waste to treat waste can be achieved with high economic.