One-step SDS-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and photoelectrochemical study of Ag4V2O7nanorods decorated with Ag nanoparticles

Ag/Ag4V2O7 nanocomposites with Ag nanoparticles supported on Ag4V2O7 nanorods have been synthesized with the assistance of sodium dodecyl sulfate (abbreviated to SDS) by a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction and exhibit high photoelectrochemical response. Ag4V2O7 nanorods are pointed at both ends with an average width of ca. 200 nm. Ag nanoparticles are formed in situ on the surfaces of the Ag4V2O7 nanorods. The crystal structures and morphologies of the samples are affected significantly by the SDS concentration and hydrothermal reaction time. The possible crystal growth process of Ag/Ag4V2O7 nanocomposites induced by SDS has been discussed preliminarily.