Fabrication of Ag3PO4-Graphene Composites with Highly Efficient and Stable Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance

Abstract

A facile and effective hydrothermal method for the fabrication of the Ag 3 PO 4 -graphene (Ag 3 PO 4 -GR) visible light photocatalyst has been developed to improve the photocatalytic performance and stability of Ag 3 PO 4, and also to reduce the high cost of Ag 3 PO 4 for practical uses. The size and morphology of Ag 3 PO 4 particles could be tailored by the electrostatically driven assembly of Ag + on graphene oxide (GO) sheets and by the controlled growth of Ag 3 PO 4 particles on the GO surface. The generation of Ag 3 PO 4 and the transformation of GO to GR can be achieved simultaneously in the hydrothermal process. The improved photocatalytic activity of Ag 3 PO 4 -GR composites under visible light irradiation is attributed to high-surface-area GR sheets, enhanced absorption of organic dyes, and more efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The transfer of photogenerated electrons from the surface of Ag 3 PO 4 to GR sheets also reduces the possibility of decomposing Ag + to metallic Ag, suggesting an improved stability of recyclable Ag 3 PO 4 -GR composite photocatalyst. Moreover, with the advances in the large-scale production of high-quality GO, the use of GO as the starting material can also reduce the cost for the synthesis of Ag 3 PO 4 -based photocatalysts without weakening their photocatalytic activities.