Studies on the photocatalysis of core-shelled SiO2–Ag nanospheres by controlled surface plasmon resonance under visible light

Abundant core-shelled silica–silver nanospheres with uniform diameter and morphology were successfully synthesized by Stöber and seed-mediated method, in sequence. By the different additions of glucose, the silver nanoparticles were deposited on silica spheres by redox reaction, which well controlled in the range from 10 to 50 nm. The surface plasmon resonance absorption band shifted toward infra-red region and became broader gradually during the dimensions of silver nanoparticles were increased in the growth range. The amazing data imply that using core-shelled silica–silver nanospheres efficiently enhances the degradation of the organic pollutants under solar energy, which means the core-shelled silica–silver nanospheres is not only a cost-effective route but an energy-saving way to our planet.