Ag(+)-inserted NbO(2)F as a Novel Photocatalyst

The insertion of Ag(+) into NbO(2)F narrowed the band gap from 3.2 eV (NbO(2)F) to 3.0 eV (Ag-NbO(2)F), which shifted the light absorption edge from the UV light region to the near-violet light region. The photocatalytic activities of NbO(2)F and Ag-NbO(2)F were evaluated by the decomposition of gaseous 2-propanol (IPA) under 400-530 and 300-400 nm light irradiations. Ag-NbO(2)F could decompose IPA to CO(2) via acetone under both irradiation conditions. The value of the quantum efficiency was of the same order under both 400-530 and 300-400 nm light irradiations, which suggested the complete hybridization of the Ag4d and O2p orbitals in the valence band of Ag-NbO(2)F resulted in the 400-530 nm light sensitivity. The density of states calculations also supported the complete mixing of Ag4d and O2p.