Ag2O/Ag3PO4 heterostructures: Highly efficient and stable visible-light-induced photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange and phenol

Abstract

Ag2O/Ag3PO4 heterostructures photocatalysis was prepared for the first time. Photocatalytic tests displayed that the Ag2O/Ag3PO4 heterostructures possessed a much higher degradation rate of methyl orange and phenol than pure Ag 3PO4 under visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to effective separation of photogenerated carriers driven by photoinduced potential difference generated at the Ag 2O/Ag3PO4 heterojunction interface. Repetitive tests showed that the Ag2O/Ag3PO4 heterostructures maintained high stability over several cycles, and it had better regeneration capability under mild conditions. The good stability could be attributed to the protection of insoluble Ag2O nanoparticles on the surfaces of Ag3PO4 crystals in aqueous solution. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2013.