Fabrication of Ag3PO4/Ag/MoO3-x Z-scheme system with excellent photocatalytic degradation performance under visible light irradiation

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics Vol. 253; p. 123325
• Main Authors: Zhao, Zi-Hao, Wang, Jin-Bo, Pan, Jin-Bo, Tan, Yu-Xuan, Chen, Lang, Guo, Jun-Kang, Shen, Sheng, Au, Chak-Tong, Yin, Shuang-Feng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.10.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Ag3PO4/Ag/MoO3-x; Catalytic activity; Current carriers; Degradation; Light irradiation; Methylene blue; Molybdenum oxides; Molybdenum trioxide; Nanoparticles; Oxygen vacancy; Performance degradation; Phosphates; Photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Reaction mechanisms; Rhodamine; Silver compounds; Z-scheme photocatalyst; Z-scheme photocatalyst; Degradation; Ag3PO4/Ag/MoO3-x; Oxygen vacancy
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2020.123325

Z-scheme Ag3PO4/Ag/MoO3-x photocatalyst was prepared by deposition of Ag and Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on the surface of MoO3-x nanosheets. With Ag mediation between Ag3PO4 and MoO3-x, there is efficient separation and utilization of photogenerated charge carriers. Owing to the rich presence of oxygen vacancies on the surface of MoO3-x, oxygen adsorption on the surface is enhanced. The as-prepared Ag3PO4/Ag/MoO3-x Z-scheme system shows outstanding photocatalytic activity and stability for the degradation of dyes (rhodamine B, methylene blue, as well as their mixture) and ciprofloxacin under visible light irradiation, displaying degradation rate that is 15.9, 3.4, 14.9 and 3.0 times that of MoO3-x, Ag3PO4, Ag/MoO3-x and Ag3PO4/MoO3-x, respectively. According to the results of trapping experiments, ·OH and ·O2− are the main active species, and a possible reaction mechanism has been proposed. [Display omitted] •Ag3PO4/Ag/MoO3-x ternary Z-scheme system with tight interfaces was obtained.•The Z-scheme structure is beneficial for the separation of charge carriers.•The Ag3PO4/Ag/MoO3-x shows enhanced activity for dyes and ciprofloxacin degradation.•Presence of O-vacancy on the surface of MoO3-x is benefit for photocatalytic process.•Holes and ·O2− are the main active species for organic degradation.