Facile synthesis of Ag3PO4 with the assistance of N,N-dimethylformamid and urea for high performance photocatalysis

Ag₃PO₄ was synthesized with the assistance of N, N-dimethylformamid (DMF) and urea for high performance photocatalysis. The photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized samples was evaluated by photodegrading rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation. As a result, the optimal Ag₃PO₄ synthesized with the assistance of DMF and urea exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for Rh B degradation under visible light irradiation. DMF and urea play vital roles in improving the photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄. This study could provide a new perspective for the controllable synthesis of Ag₃PO₄.     

One step synthesis of Ag/Ag3PO4/BiPO4 double-heterostructured nanocomposites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and stability

Heterogeneous Ag/Ag₃PO₄/BiPO₄ photocatalyst was synthesized by a one-step low temperature chemical bath method and exhibited better photocatalytic activity and better stability than those of individual Ag₃PO₄ or BiPO₄ nanoparticles for photodegradation of organic compounds (Rhodamine B) in the absence of electron accepters under visible light (λ>420 nm). The enhanced photocatalytic performance is mainly ascribed to the strong visible-light absorption originating from high efficient separations of photogenerated electron–hole pairs through Ag₃PO₄/BiPO₄ and Ag/Ag₃PO₄ heterostructures.     

Ag3PO4 quantum dots sensitized AgVO3 nanowires: A novel Ag3PO4/AgVO3 nanojunction with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Ag₃PO₄/AgVO₃ heterojunctions with high photocatalytic activities were synthesized via a simple and practical low-temperature solution-phase route by using AgVO₃ nanowires as substrate materials. The as-prepared Ag₃PO₄/AgVO₃ heterojunctions included Ag₃PO₄ quantum dots assembling uniformly on the surface of AgVO₃ nanowires. Compared with pure AgVO₃ nanowires, Ag₃PO₄/AgVO₃ composite photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation in the decomposition of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) ethanol solution. The enhanced performance is believed to be induced by the high specific surface area, strong visible-light absorption originating from the quantum dot sensitization of Ag₃PO₄, and high efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs through Ag₃PO₄/AgVO₃ heterojunction.     

Study on improving visible light photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4 through morphology control

Improving the visible light activity of Ag₃PO₄ photocatalyst through morphology control was studied using a precipitation synthetic method. It was found that the morphology depended on the reactants' constitution. With its alteration, polyhedral microcrystals, spherical and irregular nanocrystals were obtained, respectively. Among them, the polyhedrons exhibited the highest efficiency in degrading methylene blue. This was attributed to the higher visible-light absorption efficiency and more effective electron–hole separation ability of the polyhedrons, according to UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) investigation.     

Synthesis of Ag3PO4–ZnO nanorod composites with high visible-light photocatalytic activity

Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles with 50–100 nm in size distributed on the surface of ZnO nanorods with ca. 20 nm in diameter and 1–2 μm in length have been synthesized by a facile method. The Ag₃PO₄–ZnO nanorod composites had much higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation than pure ZnO nanorods, and had better recyclability and stability than pure Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles. The Ag₃PO₄–ZnO nanorod composite with the molar ratio of Ag₃PO₄:ZnO = 1:40 exhibited the highest photodegradation efficiency of RhB (93%), which was 1.5 times of pure ZnO nanorods.     

Synthesis,performance and action mechanism of carbon black/Ag3PO4 photocatalysts

Novel carbon black (CB)/Ag₃PO₄ compound photocatalysts were synthesized from a hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical methods. The photocatalytic oxidation ability of CB/Ag₃PO₄ was evaluated through methyl orange degradation experiments under visible light irradiation. The CB/Ag₃PO₄ showed higher photocatalytic activity than pure Ag₃PO₄. It was indicated the compound catalysts could absorb and utilize more optical energy to improve the photocatalytic activity, which was attributed to the ability of carbon black to accelerate the electron-hole separation. In particular, the methyl orange photocatalytic degradation rate over the 7?mg/L CB/Ag₃PO₄ was 1.6 times that of Ag₃PO₄. And the results of the cyclic experiment show that the photocatalyst has good stability. Moreover, the mechanism about the photocatalytic activity of CB/Ag₃PO₄ compounds was investigated. In this photocatalytic reaction, ?OH was the major active substrate responsible for the visible-light-driven degradation.     

Photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A and dye by graphene-oxide/Ag3PO4 composite under visible light irradiation

A facile, one-step synthesis of graphene-oxide (GO)/Ag₃PO₄ was prepared. The as-prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The SEM image indicated that Ag₃PO₄ particles were mainly distributed on the surface of GO sheets uniformly. DRS analysis revealed that the samples had good visible light response. The photocatalytic activity of the composites was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Bisphenol A (BPA). The results indicated that the photocatalytic performance of GO/Ag₃PO₄ was greatly enhanced after introduction of GO. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of colorless chemical pollutants (BPA) over GO/Ag₃PO₄ was higher than that of Ag₃PO₄, and the possible degradation path was proposed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Moreover, the photocatalytic stability was discussed by XRD and FT-IR spectroscopy analysis. Based on the experimental results, a possible visible-light photocatalytic degradation mechanism was also discussed.     

Ag3PO4 quantum dot sensitized BiPO4: A novel p–n junction Ag3PO4/BiPO4 with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Ag₃PO₄ quantum dot sensitized BiPO₄, a novel p–n junction Ag₃PO₄/BiPO₄ photocatalyst, was prepared by co-precipitation hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, EDS and DRS. Ag₃PO₄/BiPO₄ exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than Ag₃PO₄ and BiPO₄ for the degradation of methyl orange under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄/BiPO₄ could be mainly ascribed to the strong visible-light absorption originating from the quantum dot sensitization of Ag₃PO₄ and high efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs through Ag₃PO₄/BiPO₄ heterojunction. Moreover, O₂⁻ and OH were the main reactive species.     

Photosensitization of Fe3O4/ZnO by AgBr and Ag3PO4 to fabricate novel magnetically recoverable nanocomposites with significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation

In this paper, novel quaternary Fe₃O₄/ZnO/AgBr/Ag₃PO₄ nanocomposites with different weight percents of Ag₃PO₄ were successfully prepared through refluxing method at 96 °C. The as-prepared products were characterized with XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, UV-vis DRS, FT-IR, PL, and VSM techniques to determine their phase structure, purity, morphology, spectroscopic, and magnetic properties. Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation indicated that the nanocomposite with 20% of Ag₃PO₄ has the best activity. Photocatalytic activity of this nanocomposite is nearly 68, 5.0, and 3.4-folds greater than those of the Fe₃O₄/ZnO, Fe₃O₄/ZnO/AgBr, and Fe₃O₄/ZnO/Ag₃PO₄ samples in degradation of rhodamine B, whereas 17, 6.7, and 2.8-folds greater in degradation of methylene blue, respectively. The activity enhancement was mainly ascribed to the enhanced visible-light absorption ability and formation of tandem n-n heterojunctions between counterparts of the nanocomposites, which facilitate the generation and separation of charge carriers. An additional advantage of these photocatalysts is magnetic recoverability using external magnetic field. In addition, using different scavengers, superoxide ion radicals were identified as the main oxidative species in the degradation reaction of rhodamine B. Finally, photocatalytic stability of the nanocomposite was evaluated for six cycles.     

Ag3PO4 quantum dots loaded on the surface of leaf-like InVO4/BiVO4 heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Leaf-like InVO₄/BiVO₄ nanoarchitectures with scale of 2 μm–5 μm were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Ag₃PO₄ quantum dots (QDs) were then deposited onto the surface of leaf-like InVO₄/BiVO₄ crystals via a simple deposition–precipitation technique. The photocatalytic tests displayed that the Ag₃PO₄/InVO₄/BiVO₄ nanocomposite possesses a much higher rate for degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) than the sum of BiVO₄, InVO₄, Ag₃PO₄, Ag₃PO₄/InVO₄, Ag₃PO₄/BiVO₄ or InVO₄/BiVO₄ under visible light irradiation. The observed improvement in photocatalytic performance is associated with the extended absorption in the visible light region resulting from the Ag₃PO₄ QD loading, the high specific surface area, and the effective separation of photogenerated carriers at the Ag₃PO₄/InVO₄/BiVO₄ interfaces.     

Fabrication and photocatalytic performance of one-dimensional Ag3PO4 sensitized SrTiO3 nanowire

The 1D Ag₃PO₄ sensitized SrTiO₃ nanowires are prepared by simple route of electrospinning-in situ deposition technique. The results of the thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis) indicate that the Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles has been deposited on the surface of the SrTiO₃ nanowires successfully. Experimental results showed that compared with pure SrTiO₃, the as-prepared 1D Ag₃PO₄ sensitized SrTiO₃ nanowires exhibit obvious enhancement of photocatalytic performance and stability. Especially, the Ag₃PO₄/SrTiO₃ (3AS sample) had a satisfactory photocatalytic activity for degrading methylene blue (MB) more than 98% under visible light irradiation. As to pure SrTiO₃ and Ag₃PO₄, only 9.8% and 49% of MB was decomposed after 35?min irradiation respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism of the enhancing photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the nano-heterojunction of the Ag₃PO₄/SrTiO₃, the visible light response of the Ag₃PO₄, and the 1D structure of the nanowires.     

Porous Ag3PO4 microtubes with improved photocatalytic properties

The Ag₃PO₄ porous microtubes are, for the first time, prepared by a one-pot synthesis using polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) as the reaction medium. This study establishes that PEG 200 plays a vital role in the formation of the unique structures. Under visible light irradiation (≥ 420 nm), the porous sample exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB than solid Ag₃PO₄ and Ag₃PO₄ tetrapods, which has been mainly ascribed to the novel hollow structure.     

Photocatalytic degradation of Basic Blue 41 dye under visible light over SrTiO3/Ag3PO4 hetero-nanostructures

In an attempt to develop nanostructured photocatalysts with high performance, SrTiO₃/Ag₃PO₄ hetero-nanostructures were successfully fabricated. The formed binary heterojunctions were composed of SrTiO₃ nanotubes prepared using liquid-phase deposition, and Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles prepared using a sol–gel method. Synthesis details, including morphology, structure, and optical properties of the prepared photocatalysts, were characterized and comparatively discussed. The results showed that at an optimal ratio of SrTiO₃ to Ag₃PO₄ (20–80), the photocatalytic degradation of Basic Blue 41 under 80-min visible light irradiation is the maximum amount of 99%, which is about 4.4 and 1.5 times higher than that of pristine SrTiO₃ nanorods and Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles, respectively. It can be due to the synergistic effect of two materials that provide high light absorption and charge carriers’ separation. Finally, a detailed possible mechanism for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the SrTiO₃/Ag₃PO₄ hetero-nanostructures was proposed.     

Synthesis of novel Cd2P2O7/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance and the enhancement mechanism

Novel Cd₂P₂O₇/Ag₃PO₄ photocatalysts containing different mass fractions of Cd₂P₂O₇ were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Electron spin resonance (ESR), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity was decided by the effective separation and low recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. During the experiments, the Cd₂P₂O₇/Ag₃PO₄ composites possessed fierce electron- hole separation capacity. In particular, the 1 wt% Cd₂P₂O₇/Ag₃PO₄ catalyst displayed higher photocatalytic performance than pure Ag₃PO₄ under visible-light irradiation (λ>420 nm). The ESR spectrum showed the main active species during the methyl orange degradation were ·OH and ·O₂⁻.     

Dual Z-scheme heterojunction g-C3N4/Ag3PO4/AgBr photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Recently, there has been a significant interest in developing high-performance photocatalysts for removing organic pollutants from water environment. Herein, a ternary graphitic C₃N₄ (g-C₃N₄)/Ag₃PO₄/AgBr composite photocatalyst is synthesized using an in-situ precipitation-anion-exchange process and characterized by several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. During the photocatalytic reaction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy clearly illustrated the formation of metallic Ag on the g-C₃N₄/Ag₃PO₄/AgBr composite surface. The ternary composite photocatalyst demonstrated an increased photoactivity under visible light (>420 nm), achieving a complete decolorization of methyl orange (MO) in 5 min. The ternary g-C₃N₄/Ag₃PO₄/AgBr hybrid was also applied to the 2-chlorophenol degradation under visible light, further confirming its excellent photocatalytic activity. In addition, quenching experiments revealed that holes (h⁺) and O₂^?– were the major attack species in the decolorization of MO. The enhanced photoactivity of g-C₃N₄/Ag₃PO₄/AgBr results from the efficient transfer/separation of photoinduced charges with the dual Z-scheme pathway and the charge recombination sites on the formed Ag particles.     

Selective photocatalytic degradation of azodyes in NiO/Ag3VO4 suspension

BACKGROUND: This work deals with the development of an active heterogeneous catalyst for selective organic synthesis under both visible light and UV irradiation to utilize efficiently solar light. Very few studies have been reported on the selective photooxidation performance of multimetal oxide materials under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation of azodyes was investigated systematically in aqueous NiO/Ag₃VO₄ dispersion under visible light irradiation. RESULTS: The catalyst NiO/Ag₃VO₄ showed high activity and selectivity for the photodegradation of the nonbiodegradable azodyes acid red B, reactive brilliant red X‐3B, and acid orange 7. From total organic carbon (TOC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analyses, the tested azodyes were selectively oxidized into aromatic and aliphatic acids without any decrease of TOC. The high photooxidation selectivity also applied to UV light irradiation. Electron spin resonance and radical scavenger studies suggest that the anionic superoxide radical O₂^?? was the predominant active species in the photocatalytic reaction. CONCLUSION: The selectivity of NiO/Ag₃VO₄ for the oxidation of azodyes was not affected by the energy of light (UV and visible light). This approach allows effective controlled oxidation but avoids undesirable mineralization into CO₂ and H₂O. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

In-situ deposition of Ag3PO4 on TiO2 nanosheets dominated by (001) facets for enhanced photocatalytic activities and recyclability

Ag₃PO₄/TiO₂ nanosheet (TNS) heterojunction photocatalysts with almost 100% exposed (001) facets were fabricated via a facile in situ growth process. The Ag₃PO₄/TNS exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and it was significantly more recyclable under sunlight compared with Ag₃PO₄. The RhB degradation efficiency was 99.11% after 50 min of sunlight irradiation, and was 85.8% after three cycles. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism of RhB over the Ag₃PO₄/TNS heterojunctions is driven by both photogenerated holes (h⁺) and ·O₂⁻ radicals. This efficient and reusable Ag₃PO₄/TNS heterojunction photocatalyst is not only suitable for fundamental research but also has potential for practical applications in the energy and environmental fields. This study demonstrates that applying morphology engineering to heterojunctions is useful for developing composite photocatalysts with greatly improved properties.     

BiOCl/Ag3PO4 Composites with Highly Enhanced Ultraviolet and Visible Light Photocatalytic Performances

The BiOCl/Ag₃PO₄ composites have been prepared via a facile and reproducible route. In the composite, Ag₃PO₄ particles are deposited on the surface of plates of BiOCl. Among the as‐prepared samples, the ultraviolet (UV) and visible light photocatalytic reaction rates of BiOCl/Ag₃PO₄ composite with the ratio of 1:0.1 are about 4.4 times and 4.5 times than that of pure BiOCl, respectively. Overall, the BiOCl/Ag₃PO₄ composites not only show highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity but also exhibit highly improved UV photocatalytic activity, which could find enormous potential application in addressing environmental protection issues utilizing solar energy effectively.     

Facile synthesis of visible-light-driven Ag3PO4 nanocrystals base on IP6 micelles

A simple, environment-friendly and easily operating strategy, inositol hexaphosphoric sodium assisted soft template method, has been developed for synthesis of uniform Ag₃PO₄ nanocrystals (NCs) with controlled size in the range of 40 to 50 nm. The Ag₃PO₄ NCs exhibit superior photocatalytic activity compared with micron-sized Ag₃PO₄ particles under visible light. This approach is a general method and can be extended to the synthesis of a variety of other silver salts NCs.     

Photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A by Ag3PO4 under visible light

Ag₃PO₄ catalysts exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance in the degradation and the mineralization of bisphenol A, displaying considerably higher photocatalytic activity than N–TiO₂ under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The trapping effects of different scavengers and spectrophotometric results proved that the oxidation of bisphenol A mainly occurred at photogenerated holes on the Ag₃PO₄ surface, along with a two-electron reduction of dissolved oxygen to H₂O₂.