Ag3PO4/Ag2CO3 p-n heterojunction composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

作者：Fa Wenjun; Wang Ping; Yue Bing; Yang Fengling; Li Dapeng; Zheng Zhi

来源：Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 2015, 36(12): 2186-2193.

DOI：10.1016/S1872-2067(15)61004-X

• Silver phosphate
• Silver carbonate
• Composite catalyst
• p-n heterojunction
• Visible light
• Transient photovoltage

Formation of a p-n heterojunction rather than p-type or n-type semiconductors can enhance the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes and increase the quantum efficiency of photocatalytic reactions owing to the difference of the electric potential in the inner electric field near the junction, pointing from n toward p. n-Ag3PO4/p-Ag2CO3 p-n heterojunction composites are prepared through a facile coprecipitation process. The obtained Ag3PO4/Ag2CO3 p-n heterojunctions exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance in the removal of rhodamine B (RhB) compared with Ag3PO4 and Ag2CO3. The 40%-Ag3PO4/Ag2CO3 composite photocatalyst (40 mol% Ag3PO4 and 60 mol% Ag2CO3) exhibits the best photocatalytic activity under visible light, demonstrating the ability to completely degrade RhB within 15 min. Transient photovoltage characterization and an active species trapping experiment further indicate that the formation of a p-n heterojunction structure can greatly enhance the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and produce more free h(+) active species, which is the predominant contributor for RhB removal.

• 出版日期2015-12
• 单位许昌学院; 郑州大学; 平顶山学院